5 Makeup Products Worth the Splurge

Makeup can be extremely pricey, and if you're anything like me, I buy too much makeup than any one person should ever accumulate. Granted, I do have a beauty/lifestyle blog which I try to use to justify my spending habits on mass amounts of makeup but I'm here to tell you that from trial and error there are certain products that are worth the splurge!

1. A Good Matte Bronzer
My Recommendations: Benefit Hula Bronzer, Chanel Healthy Glow Sheer Color, The Body Shop Honey Bronzer
- I recommend splurging on a great bronzer because it's something that you'll get use out of all year round. It's a product that's easily buildable, and won't go bad like other makeup products.

2. A Signature Lipstick
My Recommendations: Mac Cosmetics Lipsticks, YSL Lipsticks
-Finding that signature color is totally up to you and what you're drawn to. As far as a signature color goes I would stick to something that enhances your lip color like a pinky nude, that works with your complexion. If you go into any makeup store they'd be happy to help you find one and they're usually spot on with what they suggest for you!

3. A volumizing and Separating Mascara
My Recommendations: Benefit Roller Lash, Eyeko Skinny Masacara, The Balm What's Your Type Mascara
-Mascara is the one makeup product that if you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one makeup product this would be it. It instantly makes you look 100 times more awake and brightens up your entire eye area. If you don't wear eyeshadow wear mascara, it's worth the splurge and completes your entire look.

4. Setting Spray
My Recommendations: Urban Decay All Nighter Spray, Mac Fix +
-Setting sprays are a must in the hot weather because you'll find your makeup melting off your face about half way through the day. Do not play around with setting sprays if you don't want to look like a melting fudge sicle as the day goes on.

5. Face Wash
My Recommendations: Bliss Fabulous Foaming Facial Wash, Any Body Shop face washes
-Your complexion is extremely important, it's creating the base for the rest of your makeup and you want it to be as smooth and healthy as possible. Try to find a face wash that works the best for you that can be followed up with a nice moisturizer perfect for your skin type. You want to keep your face free of blemishes in order to be able to wear makeup that doesn't look caked on.

Graduation Playlist!

Graduation day for me is just around the corner..ok I maybe stretching it a bit but it is next month. I’ve been thinking about my graduation day and what soundtrack I would want to be playing as I walked to get my diploma. Let alone what songs to play at my graduation party, but there are so many great songs to choose from.  Not to mention it’s hard to pick just one song that can reflect on my college years. With transferring in as a junior, joining Phi Sigma Sigma, there have been so many awesome changes. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for me, and this list reflects that, Enjoy!

Graduation Playlist

Breakaway-Kelly Clarkson

Break Free-Ariana Grande

Unwritten-Natasha Bedingfield

Applause- Lady Gaga

We are young- Fun

Best day of my life-American Authors

Long live-Taylor Swift

Rather be-Clean Bandit

Drops of Jupiter-Train

Fancy-Iggy Azalea

Time of our lives-Pit-bull

Heartbeat song-Kelly Clarkson

Don’t stop believing-Journey

Goodbye-Spice Girls

Graduation song- Vitamin C

Pay it Forward

        Everyone has heard of paying it forward, karma, and doing good. This week as we all know the killer, scary, viscous people are trying to upsell the lovely Lilly for Target products. One women I had the opportunity to talk to shined bright in darkness of all that's Lilly. I posted in search for a dress for my upcoming college graduation on May 9th. All I wanted was a shift dress to wear under my cap and gown.
        I was in luck. I came across the wonderful Lilly fairy! She had a dress, my size and was wonderful enough to pay it forward and give me her dress! There are wonderful people out there. There are no words to fully describe how thankful I am.

Six Years Later

        While I was working at one of my three jobs this past week, I "ran into" someone from my past. While this person didn't see me, or at least didn't acknowledge that they saw me, I found myself spending the rest of my shift (actually, until I started writing this blog post), thinking about how different my life is more than six years after this person was a consistent part of my life. 

        First off, let me start by saying, it is truly amazing how much can change in six years. Six years ago I was a senior in high school, living with my wonderful family but also with my abusive step-father, trying to get into college, dealing with some heartbreak, and longing to be free. To be honest, reflectively that was probably one of the most difficult points in my life. 

        Now, am an adult. I have graduated from college with not only a Bachelor's but also a Masters and had an amazing time earning those degrees. I am doing work in a field that I love and have immense passion for. I am engaged to perhaps the best man I have ever known. I have my family, without the man that caused us all so much pain, and found another family in the amazing people who raised my fiancé.  I am independent. I have direction and I know what I want. I have goals, dreams, and plans and absolutely no doubt that I can achieve them. I am completely free. 

          Looking back, these past six years have been the greatest journey. I am proud of where I am, what I have survived and more importantly what I have and will conquer. So, I conclude this piece by saying thank you to that person from my past, for reminding me how lucky I really am.

The Dynamic of Being a Friend and Business Woman

             I’m not going to be the first person nor the last to say how extremely difficult and frustrating it can be getting along with people who are in the same organization as you. One of the hardest things for me to realize was why there were certain people I was better friends with for specific tasks like hanging out or crafting, while others were strictly business, business, business. I was one of those people who didn’t understand why certain people got under my skin so much when it came to certain tasks until I realized that I needed to respect people from different perspectives. 

            During my process of becoming a member of my sorority, it took learning to work with others who come from all different approaches to finally understand what had irked me so much: why did some sisters and I not get along? Was it possible for me to not get along with those who were supposed to be my sisters? It took talking to my associating mom or pledge mom at the time to help me really see the light on this. She told me that separating friendships and business are extremely difficult and I was having trouble realizing that. She mentioned that certain sisters are great sisters and great business women (aka all the heavy load and business aspect of the organization) while others were just good at one or the other but that didn’t make them a bad person. Maybe one is better at being a friend, than a business woman, while some one else is better at being a business woman and was struggling at other aspects of the organization. For me personally, I love all 50+ of my sisters, but it definitely takes some self-reflection to realize that you’re not going to be best friends with everyone but you’ll love them all just the same. 

            Go in with an open mind and open heart. My roommate’s favorite quote is from Friday Night Lights, “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose.” This works perfectly for your approach to go into a Greek organization. Always be accepting and understanding and you’ll learn so much more about yourself and those you surround yourself with. 

Fun Birthday Drink Recipes!

So guess what today is… My 23rd birthday! I wanted SGT readers to be able to celebrate with me so I collected a couple drink recipes for you to try. Be sure to comment your thoughts below and let us know what you think! Please note, these recipes are for readers 21 and up. Drink responsibly.

Iced Birthday Cake Shot
1 oz. Smirnoff Iced Cake
½ oz. Hazelnut Liquer
½ oz. Pineapple Juice

Mix all ingredients with ice. Shake well and strain into glass. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles. Enjoy!

Birthday Cake Martini
2 oz. Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
Your favorite Champagne

Lightly coat the rim of the martini glass with corn syrup and garnish with sprinkles. Mix Vanilla Vodka and Cranberry juice over ice in a shaker. Shake well, and strain into martini glass. Top the the vodka mix with your favorite champagne. Enjoy!

Celebrating my 20th birthday and my Big's 22rd birthday together

Iced Birthday Cake shot courtesy of Smirnoff.com. Birthday Cake Martini courtesy of Tipsy Bartender.

How to diet in secret! (FYI you will forget you're on it)

Summer is just around the corner which means its almost swimsuit season. Alright now I don’t like dieting than again I’m pretty sure nobody does. When I do I do my very best not to tell anyone. Because if you tell people on a diet there is a chance they may look at what you’re eating and ask “can you really eat that?” or “should you be eating that with your diet?” When it comes to the “D” word its best if it’s not said at all. Switch things up with your food and lifestyle. Better yet don’t do it alone, ask your sisters for help!

My list below is of 10 tips I’ve found helpful when it comes to switching things up. I hope this list helps all you getting ready for swimsuit season!

1.  Don’t call it a diet! Just say to yourself you’re switching things up with your food. If you think of it like that you will forget your on a diet
2. Don’t get mad at yourself for eating sweets! Love yourself it’s the most important thing, and if you get mad at your body for having a natural craving for chocolate or candy its ok to give in. Try dark chocolate, I know its bitter but it really helps you eat sweets slowly so you feel fuller. Also peanut butter is amazing! I use it whenever I want some added protein to my sweets.
3. If you want some sugar, try adding some fruit to switch things up. I never used to eat Cuties (the baby seedless tangerines) and now I’m addicted. I throw a few in my backpack and eat them on my class breaks. It calms down my sweet tooth plus it has Vitamin C to keep me healthy with cold season coming and keeps my energy up on busy class days.
4.  Adding avocado does wonders! It makes you feel fuller, helps with skin and hair. It’s one the kind of food that makes you feel like Beyoncé, and who does not want to feel like Beyoncé!
5. Check out Pinterest for healthy easy recipes.
6. Don’t worry I didn’t forget exercise! Ew I know but when it comes to this subject I do something I love to do. I love to dance, any chance I get I dance. Not to mention I also walk. If you’re not into the gym do something that you enjoy doing. Like swimming, dancing or walking. Better yet ask your sisters if any of them want to go on a hike, or play beach volleyball
7. Don’t let your water get boring. Add some fruit to your water. Such as strawberries, lemon, oranges. The natural juice will also help detox you and keep you energized.
8. Same thing goes for salads! You can add fruit to salad, and nuts. Etc. If you use notes make sure they are not glazed. Have them be dry with only natural flavor. You’re going to be getting enough flavor from the dressing you can add. And if you’re worried about adding too much dressing, pour it in a spray bottle its way easier and less stressful than measuring it out.
9. Leave positive notes about yourself on your mirror. Each day write a new note about something you love about your body and self in general. It will help you get to your goals, because you won’t reach it if you are hating on yourself
10. My final tip! Don’t make it your goal to lose weight. Change things up to be healthy. If you are weighing yourself all the time and focused in on the numbers it could stress you out. You will feel the difference soon, if you follow my tips. You won’t need a scale!

The Lilly for Target Craze!

     Well like many prepsters, yesterday morning I went to Target to try to get the best deals and maybe even a shift dress to wear for my formal. Boy, let me tell you people are viscous. Think of it as Black Friday for the preppiest of preps. This includes but not limited to: Moms, kids, teens, college sorority girls, teachers, etc. I learned the scariest of all are the Moms. They ran into the store first and grabbed everything on the racks. I was about 6th in line and it was a struggle for me to find what I wanted. I did get a lovely romper and a scarf but I did not get what I came for.

      The best part is next. I was online all day due to being at work in front of a computer screen and Facebook was blowing up. I am part of numerous Lilly Facebook pages and people were really getting full of themselves. People are upselling their products like crazy. My favorite part of my day was when one horrible Lilly lover tried to upsale a bunch of her items and well.... the Lilly lovers attacked, including me.

      Needless to say.... or at least I thought... Do not upsale your TARGET Lilly products. They are sold there for a reason. Why would I pay $80 bucks for a Target Lilly dress when I can get one used in good condition for a little more? And ESPECIALLY do not post it on a Lilly Facebook page trying to upsale it.... Common sense people. Hopefully we will be seeing Target restock these items, if not I am glad I got the items I did!
**Target Lilly Pulitzer Sale: May the odds be ever in your favor.
xoxo,

5 Things the Wedding Magazines Won't Tell You to Consider While Planning a Wedding!

I am the kind of girl that meets the common cliche of "dreaming about ny wedding since she was a little girl". From the date, to the location, to my hair, to the flowers, more or less every detail has planned been planned for no exaggeration, years. Whe I finally became engaged this past December to the greatest man I have ever met, I was beyond excited to finally put my dream wedding into action. 

I thought I was brilliant, I planned on doing almost everything myself from the invites to the flowers, I wasn't going to send thousands of dollars on a dress, everything was going to be classy but low budget. 

However, being me, I have always wanted to get married in the New Jersey Botenical Gardens. It is literally my favorite place in the world. In November  (ironically a month before becoming a official "Bride to Be" ) I decided on a whim to call them to get the pricing info.

It was then I dawned on me that this wedding was still going to be expensive, dispite all my planning, if I didn't look at all my options. It also occured to me that, there are somethings that no bridal magazines have ever told me and I want to ensure all future sorority brides, are well prepared. 

Here are five tips I have learned while planning my wedding.

1) Consider not getting married on a Saturday: Think about having your special day on a Friday or a Sunday because most places have a minimum for number of guest per wedding during specific times of years and those numbers are generally less on those two days. Also, consider getting married in the "off months" Like November and January, this will also save you on pricing.

2. Narrow down your guest list: This has been perhaps the biggest nightmare for me, specifically in relations to my sorority sisters. You don't want to leave anyone out but you can't afford to have everyone there. It is a very difficult situation. My best suggestion is to go into guest list making thinking  "who do I have to invite" and from the remaining estimation of the number of people you want, determine who else you can add it. 

3. Consider a small bridal party: Again, another nightmare when you have a sea of beautiful and amazing sorority sisters. But narrow it down to the people who matters most to you and that you can't imagine not being by your side as you stand at the alter. Also think, bigger wedding party equals more gifts, more opinions, and more stress. 

4. Deterinmine your prorities: Decide between you and your partner (and whoever is helping with finaces) what your priorities are. For example, my top prority is the photography. As a photographer, I need to trust who ever is taking these pictures completely and for that reason I am willing to spend more on it because it is so important to me. 

5. Be open to compromise: I know this could be difficult but it is perhaps the most difficult thing to do, even more so when you have a certain vision in your head but at the end of the day, it is only one day of forever with your significant other, you don't have to have everything you everything you ever wanted because you should have already found it in them :)

Preparing for Senior Year

To say I'm scared of senior year is an understatement. College has come and gone in the blink of an eye and although I most likely will not be graduating on time due to dreams I want to pursue while still a college student, it's getting more real as time goes on. I recently picked my schedule for next semester, unfortunately I got stuck with an 8:30 (the ones I try to avoid) and got jipped out of a class that fulfills the language requirement which I still haven't completed. 

I've been freaking out about the logistics of where I'll be living next year, which will be the campus apartments, and having to rely mostly on the shuttle system and stressing me out. I do not trust the shuttle system at my school for several reasons. 1, The drivers are rude as hell, they never come on time 2, they never update the shuttle app on the phone to tell you when they're arriving and 3, there are so many people and students who rely on the shuttles when there's not enough of them on duty. Waiting for a shuttle not only to get to class; meaning I'm going to have to wake up extra early to get there on time, but the fact that catching one to get back the apartments is like the anchovy scene from the first season of Spongebob. If you don't know what this is I will enlighten you below:

Aside from worrying about getting to and from class, I will be very excited to start being able to have my own kitchen and not have to get a meal plan that consists of the school's laxative laced food. (I learned this today actually that food at most schools is laced with laxatives to stop students from getting food poisoning and then suing the school; shoutout to my sorority sister for telling me this tidbit of day-brightening info haha), oh yeah did I mention it's illegal? Yea I had no idea this was a thing. 

 

(Me as spongebob making my way to the shuttle hahaha)

I'm looking forward to senior year and reapplying for the Disney College program, something I have had my heart set on since I graduated high school, and I will be reapplying again and hopefully won't mess up any of the interviewing process and get to work in the happiest place on earth. I'm also excited to see what more exciting things my sorority will have to offer me, and having the thought in the back of my mind that I'll one day be leaving my sorority and graduating scares the absolute crap out of me. I wish I joined sooner because it has made my college career what it is. 

For now, transitioning into Senior year is going to be a big, exciting, and scary step, but I'm excited to see where my future college career takes me. I will keep you all updated on new and exciting things happening!

Life as Sorority Alumna

With the end of the semester coming near, many sisters of chapters all over the country will be making the jump from being a collegiate sister to alumnae. When I was living out my years as a collegiate sister, I thought alumna-hood would never get to me and I'd be a fun, active, collegiate sorority sister forever. All too quickly though, I found myself as an alumna sifting through old pictures reminiscing over my college days.

Shortly after relocating a few states away from my collegiate chapter, I realized there was an alumnae chapter in my area. I thought, "Wow, this is my shot to get to do it all over again!" Until one day, I was told the alumnae chapter had been inactive for quite a few years. Being as young and gung-ho as I was, I decided to reactivate the chapter.

Now, for the past two years, I have served as the Chapter President for my alumnae chapter. I have found life as an alumna to be even more satisfying than I thought. I have been able to lead my chapter and recruit new sisters to be involved with the chapter. We have participated in multiple philanthropy events such as Campfire USA, the American Heart Association's Heart Walk, Girls Love Mail, and many others. As an alumna, there are still so many opportunities to give back to the community in the name of your letters.

Not to mention the bonds that have been formed… The sisters still involved with alumnae chapters are the sisters who truly want to continue to help their sorority grow and flourish. You're going to meet sisters who are still just as in love with their letters as the day they received their bids. You're also going to meet their daughters who look forward to going through recruitment and continuing the tradition of sisterhood as a legacy. It's one of the most fulfilling feelings I've ever been able to experience.

So while you work on decorating your graduation caps and picking out the perfect outfit to walk across the stage in, just know that your time with your sorority isn't finished just because you receive that piece of paper you've worked so hard for. There is still a whole world of opportunities to connect with sisters, give back to the community, and represent your letters and values in the best way possible. Good luck graduating seniors, and welcome to life as an alumna.

Coundown to Formal!

Countdown to Formal!

One of my favorite parts about being in a sorority is formal. A sorority formal is like a high school prom but way better. Because it’s all of your sisters and their dates, so it’s way more fun. Not to mention way cheaper. This is because most sorority dues cover the cost of a formal ticket and transportation. When I was in high school, prom was the most exciting event to come at the end of the year, but also the most expensive. Don’t worry with my list with planning, I will help ease the stress of the countdown to formal.

1.      Dress- Before you buy anything, ask yourself what you already have and what is in your personal budget to sludge to get something new. Also before you buy anything I suggest asking your sisters if you can barrow things for formal. Another thing to look at is the theme of your formal. You can go with the theme and it can help narrow down what you want to wear.

• Nordstrom Rack-Get a designer dress for more than half the price. Not to mention you have 90 days to return!
• David’s Bridal- They have really cute dresses however my only issue is it is final sale. I suggest getting short dresses from them because you are more likely to wear a short dress more than a long one
• Rent the runway-You can rent a dress! No joke, they have designer dresses for an amazing price!

2.     Shoes- My big advice for shoes is make sure they are comfortable to wear for dancing not just for pictures. You can do dress flats or go high in heels. If you need help breaking in your heels. What I do is I do my chores in heels, I take out the trash, clean up, etc. It sounds like a lot but when you’re at formal and you’re not taking off your shoes 5 minutes after putting them on. So worth it! Suggested places to look are:

• Payless- They have dress shoes for cheap, and the comfort plus shoes are so comfy
• DSW-Designer shoes for less not to mention they usually have a lot of color options.
• Nordstrom Rack- Same reason as the dress, and their shoes are really good quality.

3.     Date or group-If you want to ask some to formal. I say go for it! You can keep is casual and simply ask or go big. Asking someone to formal is not like asking someone to prom. Its way funnier and most likely the person you’re asking will say yes. Or you can go in a group which is always fun, you can even pick a spot near campus to take pictures. The most important thing is have fun!

4.      Makeup-You can have it done or you can always use YouTube. I use YouTube for makeup all the time. Thanks to countless beauty blogs and videos. Videos I suggest to subscribe to are

• Em’s Beauty Secrets- https://www.youtube.com/user/EmilyGoulart93
• Casey Holmes- https://www.youtube.com/user/itsbl0ndie
• Makeup by Ali- https://www.youtube.com/user/MakeupByAlli

"Outside" by Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding Can Be Consider a Sorority Anthem!

The other day I was driving to work, nothing unusual, and the song “Outside” by Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding started playing on z100.

So I did what I always do, I sang along.

As I was singing (badly I might add), I realized that I was starting to think about how I felt in my sorority after graduation, about leaving my chapter, at being on the “outside”, an alumni sister, not an active sister. 

While I am sure this song was most like not written to describe the feelings on recent sorority graduates, it really does describe what it is like being a new graduate of a sorority and in many ways tells you what you need to hear about it.

The main statement in the entire song, which is repeated several times, is as follows:

“I'll show you what it feels like
Now I'm on the outside
We did everything right
Now I'm on the outside "

The line “we did everything right, now I am on the outside” stands out to me because as sorority women, we made the right choice to join and participate in our chapters, now that we are moving on and we have to let the women who followed, the women we helped select and mold, take over the chapter as we watch from a safe distance. 

While it is not as dramatic as the song sounds, as alumni we are still very active in our chapters, I know I still am, it reminds up that at the end of the day that our time as a college sorority women is official behind us, and we now have to help our chapters grow and prosper outside the walls of active sisterhood.

Needless to say, now every time I hear the song I can’t help but think of being alumni in a sorority.

Take a listen and let #sgt know if you hear it too!

Utilizing Etsy; Why This Website is God Sent for Sorority Girls

Etsy, ah the site of all sites to find the coolest greek wear and random items to fit any one of your many needs and desires. When I first discovered etsy, back in high school, the only thing I really ever searched for was jewelry. But etsy has expanded so much and has been an amazing blessing for big sorority sisters alike. When I crossed into my sorority I took a chance and started searching Phi Sigma Sigma or greek clothing, items, jewelry etc. just to see what I would find. I wasn't expecting anything of it, I figured there would be really weird items carved out of wood and knick knacks like that and opposite of what I expected happened; etsy is my holy grail. The amount of sorority and greek letter items they have available on their site is amazing; I couldn't tell (nor do I want to tell you lol) how much money I've spent on greek apparel through etsy. 

For sorority girls, I'm sure you've heard of somethinggreek.com I love their site, they make awesome stuff but their patterns were getting outdated and boring to me, I wanted something new and more up to date and etsy had exactly what I was looking for. Everything from vera bradley prints, to lilly prints, to disney prints, everything I could have ever asked for an more. I've purchased countless shirts, hats, sweatshirts, quarter zips, etc. and I've never been disappointed with anything I've bought off of etsy. 

I would even recommend finding items that are monogrammed which I have been obsessed with and then once you receive them you can bring them to your local store where you usually get letters made and they can embroider and put letters on it on top of the fact that it already has your monogram. (I did this with my big!)

Here are some of my favorite stores:

• UniversityShop
• thesororityspot
• LPEdesigns
• TheGreekInkPress
• TheTurnipSeed
• GreekLetters13

Easy Summertime Cocktails

Summertime always brings sunshine, fun, and of course some fun drinks by the pool or at the beach. Time to kick your semester habits of drinking all the frat boys beer and sip on some delicious and refreshing summer drinks. Please note, these recipes are for readers 21 and older. Drink responsibly.

Wine Punch
What you'll need:
- Your favorite wine (I recommend a Pinot Grigio to offset the sweet flavors of the rest of the ingredients)
- Simply Lemonade-Raspberry
- Sprite
- Your favorite array of fruits

Simply mix 1 bottle of wine, 1 gallon of Simply Lemonade-Raspberry, and half a liter of Sprite. Feel free to freeze your fruit beforehand to ensure it's cold and delicious.

This recipe can also be adapted to a virgin drink by leaving out the wine.

Blue Margarita
What you'll need:
- Your favorite tequila
- Dekuyper Blue Curacao
- Sweet and Sour Mix (NOT Margarita mix)
- Sprite

In a pint glass, fill with ice. Mix 1 ½ ounces of tequila, ½ ounce of Dekupyer Blue Curacao, top with Sweet and Sour mix. Shake and top with a splash of Sprite. Garnish with a lime and orange slice.

Upon trying these drinks, feel free to snap pictures and comment below with your picture and thoughts. Enjoy responsibly!

Wine Punch Recipe adapted from "Crafty and Delish". Margarita photo courtesy of Ethnic Spoon.

Sneak Preview Day!

         Today was sneak preview day on campus for my university. It was an amazing turnout and the campus was filled with a lot of incoming freshman and transfer students. I gave a lot of campus tours today with students and parents and I was asked a lot of questions that I feel are really important to ask. I know a lot of the time some girls transfer to other schools so this list below will be really helpful, when figuring out where you want to transfer to for college. This list applies to any grad level, undergrad or graduate.

1.       Student housing prices? Is it more expensive to life on or off campus? - Especially if you’re not a financial aid student, and you’re paying for school on your own. This is very helpful to know because it will help you plan your budget. Remember also there are different prices for full time students then half time students.

2.      Is my major impacted? - A lot of the time schools majors will be impacted. What does this mean? It will be harder for you to get the classes that you need. Don’t be discouraged to apply for the school when you know your major is impacted. It does not mean the school is bad, it means there are a lot of students on campus who has the same interest as you. Which is a good thing, you will have more people to study and socialize with.

3.      What is social life like? - Its college life so of course you want to know about what to do when you’re not studying. However I really encourage prioritizing your social life with your academics. Get to know the day and night life off campus, not to mention go in groups to meet new people. Safety is key!

4.      Are their internships as well as jobs available for me? Especially for those who are already in college but are transferring this is a question for you. It will give you a leg up on your educational goals when you graduate. Internships paid or non-paid are gold especially if they are in your major. A lot of the times schools with have jobs and internships in departments for students. Or if you want a job on campus, get to know the career center.

5.      Financial aid questions-There are too many for me to put down. Ask as many questions as you want with this field. Such as scholarships, loans, grants, when your financial aid money gets to you, etc. this is a really important one so if you know you need financial aid do not be shy on asking too many questions.

6.      Is the campus safe? - For me when I came to my school this was the question I was asking every campus I visited. I knew I was going to live on campus and be taking a lot of night classes, so the school I choose had to be a safe one. A lot of schools have campus police than walk around or drive around campus to patrol. Also a lot of schools have emergency booths so if a student is not feeling safe, campus police will come to you to walk you were ever you need to go.

7.      What are the student organizations like?-If you’re already in a sorority and are transferring, it’s ok to get to know other organizations. Especially if your school does not have your sorority. Your alumni so this means you can join other clubs on campus. Now if there is your sorority on campus, you are still considered active (if you have not graduated) however when you go to chapter meetings you represent your chapter as well as the organization. If your confused on that contact the sorority’s archon of where you are transferring to, she will answer any questions or concerns you will have.

Best advice: Get to you’re the school you are visiting, such the teachers, campus, student organizations, food options etc.  If you applied to a lot of schools for fall, visit as many as you can. Visit them when your family and friends. Don’t be shy on asking questions, and have fun while you’re going on campus visits! I hope this piece has helped any of you who are considering to transfer to another school.