Father's Day Gift Ideas

True, you love your dad and admire all that he does for you and your family. And of course you want to get him something awesome for Father's Day. And yet ... the laws of mathematics and your bank account are severely limiting any grand plans you might have for Father's Day.

If you're still trying to figure out what to get dear ol' dad this Sunday, check out my list of college student Father's Day gifts. Because being a college student doesn't have to mean giving lame presents on major holidays, right? Right!

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50 College Summer Ideas

Your time in college -- during the academic year, that is -- is, of course, filled with stressors like classes, papers, lab reports, and exams. It is also happily filled with the fun stuff, like friends, parties, going out, and a seemingly endless schedule of upcoming events and activities. During the summer, however, the social scene in your life can drastically decrease, especially if you're no longer on campus and spend your days at a job or internship. What's a college student to do?

50 Ways to Stay Entertained Over a College Summer

1. Read a new release book. It can be science fiction, general fiction, trashy romance, murder mystery, historical fiction -- but it doesn't matter. Grab the latest release and let your brain take a break.
2. Read a classic. Always hearing about a classic book one of your friends or family members loves? Been curious about a novel you never read in high school? Summer is the perfect chance to finally sit down and read it.
3. Buy a magazine you don't usually read. It can be intellectual, like The Economist, or ridiculous and fun, like People. But when's the last time you just let yourself sit, veg out, and read a magazine?
4. Get an audio book. Fair enough: you may read enough during the year to not want your nose in another book over the summer. Consider buying (or getting from the library) an audio book that you can listen to while working out or driving around.
5. Volunteer. Think of the last time you volunteered. Didn't you feel great afterward? No matter where you leave, there's undoubtedly places that could use your time, energy, and smarts.
6. Try a new form of exercise. Been curious about yoga, pilates, spinning, or something else? The summer is a great time to explore something new and see if it's a fit.
7. Join a community sports team. Most places have community sports team that play in the summer; they can range from competitive baseball to completely silly kickball leagues. See what's in your area and what you can join for the few months you're free.
8. Take a class at the gym. Summer can be a great time to get in shape. Your local gym probably has classes you can join that will help you exercise your body -- and relax your brain.
9. Join a community group. Treat yourself to something fun that also gets you out into the community, like a running or hiking club.
10. Try a new video game. Seriously, it's summer. What better time is there to grab a new game and play it without worrying about that paper you'd have to write if it were the school year?
11. Watch a movie marathon. You can rent a ton of your faves or just watch a themed-marathon on a TV network.
12. Spend a weekend seeing all the new releases. Grab a friend and see if you can see all the new releases in one weekend. With food in the theater, there's no reason why you can just spend all day there, seeing movie after movie!
13. Try a new idea: breakfast and a movie. Just wake up? Call a friend and meet at a local place that serves 24/7 breakfasts ASAP. Then amble over to the theater and enjoy whatever movie is next playing. Added bonus: breakfast is cheaper than dinner, and matinees are cheaper than the later shows.
14. Take a bus or a train somewhere new. Flying can be so cheap these days that folks sometimes forget about the bus or train. But sometimes the journey is half the fun, and you'll see new parts of the country you'd never see from the air.
15. Take a quick flight somewhere new. Since flights, especially last-minute deals, can be so cheap, why not hop a flight this weekend and see a friend?
16. Learn an instrument. You may have always had a desire to play the piano, learn the flute, or even play the drums. Why not learn now when you have the time and freedom to really put your heart into it?
17. Get a head start on your fall classes. Alright, this one may sound lame, but it can do wonders for your mental health to look over your syllabi and perhaps get a head start on the reading -- especially for a class you might be geeked out about.
18. Set up systems for success for the new year. Okay, this also sounds lame, but think about it: Did you struggle with time management? Being organized? Spending a little time now, while you have it, may save you a lot of time and frustration once school starts.
19. Take an online class. You won't have to commute, you can save some cash, and you might even get ahead on the credits you'll need to graduate.
20. Build a personal website. If you're going to be graduating next year, a personal website can be a great way to advertise yourself to future employers and show them all your mad skills. Make sure to keep it clean and professional.
21. Do something that challenges your fears. Terrified of skydiving? Bungee jumping? And yet ... do you secretly also want to try them? Grab a friend and conquer your fears.
22. Go camping. Camping during the school year can be a challenge, both because of your workload and because of the weather. Utilize all that summer has to offer for the great outdoors.
23. Take an art class. Learning to make potter or how to paint, for example, can be a great way to learn how to release your creative side.
24. Try a new kind of food or restaurant. Heard people talk about how delicious Peruvian food is, for example? Or have you always been secretly afraid to try sushi? Challenge yourself to try something new (to you).
25. Experiment in the kitchen/Learn to cook. During school, you probably don't have much time to learn how to cook; you just need food, fast. Use some of your summer free time to learn how to cook.

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Need Gift Ideas for Mom?

Mothers' Day, unfortunately, often comes at an awkward time for students: they're low on cash at the end of the semester while also trying to juggle finals and other end-of-the-academic-year craziness (including, for some, graduation!). It's not like you don't want to get something for your mom ... it's just that you have so many, many other things on your to-do list.

While all of that might be true, of course, it still won't get you out of a major jam if you really do forget to recognize your mom on Mother's Day (May 13th). If you're short on cash and time, take a quick look at 7 great gift ideas for moms. The list is specifically catered to students who, shall we say, can't exactly rush out to Tiffany's and buy their moms diamond earrings -- as much as they might deserve them, of course!

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Recipes & Ideas for Cinco de Mayo

If you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo this weekend, you might need a few fresh ideas to spice up your festivities. Check out the great resources below from other Guides across the About.com network:

• 9 Quick & Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Mexican Food)
• 11 Vegetarian & Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Vegetarian Food)
• Gluten-Free Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Gluten-Free Cooking)
• Top 10 Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo (from the Guide to Cocktails)
• 16 Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes (from the Guide to Busy Cooks)

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Spring Break Ideas

c 2008 Kelci Lynn licensed to About.com, Inc.

Not sure what to do for your Spring Break? It may be your first year at school; it may be your last. No matter what your situation, these ten ideas will provide you with some options that may be just what you need this time of year.

1. Relax at School

When classes are in session, you are constantly on the go. Use this time to just relax and do nothing while still on campus. If your situation allows, don't let yourself do any homework for the whole week. Watch movies, sleep in, and just rejuvenate and relax before you head into the last part of the Spring semester. (There may be more ways than you think to relax while at school.)

2. Relax Somewhere Tropical

Swaying palm trees. The sound of the ocean. Frozen drinks with umbrellas in them. The smell of suntan lotion and the feeling of sand between your toes. Need I say more? (Except, perhaps, to note that you can find discounted airfare for students to make that sunshine feel even better!)

3. Take a Road Trip

Is your roommate driving home for Spring Break? Can you catch a ride with him or her, and hang out for a few days? Does your friend need a way to get home, and you need somewhere to go? Hit the road and, with the time you have off, take the long way.

4. Volunteer Locally

Think about the last time you volunteered. Didn't it make you feel 100% better and rejuvenated? Find somewhere to volunteer over your Spring Break. If the city your school is in is different than your hometown, this can be a great way to get to know (and give back to!) your adopted new community.

5. Volunteer Internationally

Lots of programs are now available for college students to volunteer internationally during their spring breaks. Check with your Student Activities office, your campus volunteer center, or local organizations for ways to spend your Spring Break volunteering abroad.

6. Catch up, Catch up

Catch up on your homework. Catch up on your sleep. Catch up on your "life chores," like balancing your bank account, updating your resume, and doing your laundry. Think of how great you'll feel when you're not stressed for time and your life is all in order once classes begin again!

7. Visit Home

There's nothing wrong with just wanting to head home to see your folks, do your laundry, and eat some good, home-cooked meals. Besides, when is the last time you woke up to the smell of someone cooking breakfast?

8. Meet Non-College Friends Somewhere

Your best friend from high school went to one coast for college, you went to the other. Arrange to catch up in person and meet somewhere in the middle, preferably in a city neither of you has been to before.

9. Take a Trip by Yourself

You're surrounded by people while at school. Why not hop on a bus, plane, or train and head somewhere alone? Go check out museums on your own time, eat where and what you want to eat, and stay where you want to. It might be the first time in a long time that you haven't had to share a room with anyone.

10. Bring the Vacation to You

Short on funds? Time? Both? Trying to stick to a budget? Treat yourself (and your friends!) to a mini-vacation in your room or apartment. Buy string-up palm tree lights, some leis, and music from any tropical locale. Find something, anything, coconut scented and let it permeate your room. Wear summer clothes, invite people over, and let the vacation begin!

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College Road Trip Ideas

Thinking about taking a college road trip? Not sure where to start? One of the best things about road trips is their flexibility. Your road trip will be what you make of it -- so set a goal in advance. (And don't forget to pack a camera other than the one in your phone!)

College Road Trip Ideas

Plan a sports-themed trip. Into baseball, football, or basketball? Plan a trip to visit some of the most famous parks. Find out what the options are for taking a tour of the ballpark and if there are any special games going on while you're in town.

Plan a food-themed trip. Love soul food? Interested in finding the best vegan fare out there? Want to visit the best seafood places? Plan a trip that focuses around classic American cuisine and get ready to eat your heart out. (Think creatively about this one, too: several college students at Birmingham-Southern College earned credit for taking a road trip and studying southern barbecue.)

Plan to visit places near your home or school. You don't have to drive far to have a road trip be a success. Find some amazing places in your state, grab an atlas, and hit the road.

Plan a trip around your interests. Are you and your friends really interested in American history? The dynamics of border towns? Particular figures in American literature? Cities with a strong history of supporting the gay or civil rights movements? With a little research and a little geek chic, you can have a fun and interesting Spring Break.

Plan a pick-up-you-friends themed trip. Have several high school friends scattered around the state? Plan a trip to pick them all up over several days, ultimately arriving in a city of everyone's choosing. Enjoy the time catching up without having to worry about everyone's travel plans.

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College New Year's Eve Ideas

New Year's Eve in college can be fun, exciting -- and challenging, as many students are away from campus and their usual college friends. There's no need to let your college New Year's Eve go to waste, however. Check out these ideas for keeping things fresh, fun, and funky.

20 Ways to Spend Your College New Year's Eve

1. Hang out at home with your high school/hometown friends. If you're spending the winter break home with your parents, head out with your friends. You can reminisce about years' past and celebrate your enduring friendships.
2. Head to Vegas. Because really, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. There are some great deals to be had and great parties to attend -- not to mention the 24-hour gambling.
3. Head to New York City. Never seen the official ball drop in Times Square? Grab some friends and head to NYC for an everyone-should-see-it-at-least-once experience.
4. Go camping. If you need a break from the chaos of your everyday life, head out into the wilderness. You can ring in the new year beneath a blanket of stars.
5. Plan a romantic dinner with your significant other. You can go out or cook something together at home. Add 2 candles and -- as a bonus -- have someone to smooch as the new year arrives.
6. Head to a fun club with a crazy band you've never heard of. Step outside of your comfort zone, grab some friends, and do something funky.
7. Do something back at school. The residence halls may be closed, but many students are still living in their Greek houses or in off-campus apartments. Plan something away from campus that still allows you to celebrate with your college friends.
8. Line up and camp out for a football game. Head to a bowl game where you can camp out the night before with other fans. When else will you be able to do so, except for during your college years?
9. Volunteer. Look for something in your community. Go on an outdoor trip and work on trail maintenance. Head to another country. There are plenty of volunteering options that will take you into the year with good will.
10. Head out somewhere fun with your high school and your college friends. Why not blend the best of both worlds?
11. Go somewhere swanky. Think much, much fancier than you're used to. Head somewhere swanky and opt for an evening of elegance.
12. Host a costume or theme party. And do so with style, too. 1920's, anyone?
13. Rent a cabin in the woods. It can be with your high school friends, your college friends, your significant other -- or everyone.
14. Hang out at a ski resort. If you ski, you can hit the slopes. And if you don't, you can curl up with hot chocolate and enjoy the scenery. What's not to like?
15. Go backpacking or hiking. Head out for a midnight hike (with at least one other person, of course) to ring in the new year in a unique and exhilarating way.
16. Go on a skydiving or bungee-jumping trip. Some places offer multi-day excursions. Make your new year one to remember!
17. Spend time with your family. The longer you're away at school, the less time you have to spend with your family. Take a break from the college scene and enjoy the evening with your family instead.
18. Spend the evening writing or journaling. Some folks reflect and process things best when they write things out. Take the night to yourself and write to your heart's content.
19. Host a "creative" New Year's Eve party. Set up supplies -- or have your guests bring their own -- and create an atmosphere of creative energy for people to paint, sculpt, write music, or create other works of art.
20. Spend a quiet night in -- and get some sleep! Catch up on two of the most sacred resources for many college students: time and sleep. Celebrate your year by indulging in both.

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Last-Minute Gift Ideas for College Students

The most precious commodity in a college student's life? Time. The second most precious commodity? Money. So if you're looking for a last-minute gift idea for a college student on your list (be it a roommate, friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, or even that amazing person who helped you pass your statistics class), things can be tricky. Find several last-minute gift ideas for college students below that are practically guaranteed to please -- and be fast and affordable.

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for College Students

1. An electronic gift certificate to an online media store. Most college students get a significant percentage -- if not the majority -- of their media online. Consider an online gift certificate to a place like iTunes or Netflix that will help make their relaxation time easier.

2. An event/experience that you'll pay for when it happens. You can simply send a card (virtual or handmade) that describes what you'll do for your certain someone when the time presents itself: take them out for a nice dinner, buy them tickets to their favorite band next time they're in town, treat them to lunch and a day at their favorite museum or cultural event. No matter what the event is, however, your gift will be well-received even though you don't actually have to "give" it until a little later.

3. An electronic gift certificate to an online bookstore. It may not sound sexy, but it will certainly be appreciated. Sure, college students read a lot, but when's the last time your gift recipient read for pleasure? Added bonus: online bookstore gift certificates can also be used for buying textbooks if your gift recipient is ever in a pinch.

4. Delivery of something perishable. Things that are perishable -- like care packages, chocolates, fruits, or flowers -- often can be ordered only in a time crunch. Check out places like ProFlowers, Edible Arrangements, or Dormzy (plus many others) online for options.

5. An electronic gift certificate to a place nearby. Who doesn't like perusing the aisles of Best Buy or Target, looking for things to make college life easier? Many big-box stores offer the ability to buy a gift certificate online and email it -- often instantly -- to the recipient.

6. A donation to a favorite charity. Does the person you need a gift for want to go to medical school? Consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders, for example. Think about your gift recipient's passions and interests and find a charity to match. Most organizations take donations online and will email your recipient that a gift was made in his or her honor.

7. An electronic gift certificate for an e-reader. An increasingly large number of students are getting (or already have) e-readers. Consider a gift certificate, which can be purchased online and sent via email, that will allow someone the chance to download their favorite book in an instant.

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Low-Cost Gift Ideas

If you're like most college students, buying gifts present a complicated dilemma: You'd like to give nice presents but you are, after all, a college student trying to live on a budget. So how can you balance wanting to give nice presents with the limits of your bank account?

Luckily, there are ways to give low-cost gifts without coming across as cheap.

8 Low-Cost Gift Ideas for College Students

1. Print out and frame a nice picture. With everything being digital these days, try to remember the last time someone gave you a printed-out picture that you can hang on your wall -- and how nice that present was (or would be!). If you're really short on cash, print something at the highest quality available on your printer and make a nice frame to match.

2. Give a simple college-themed gift. While the $60 sweatshirts in the campus bookstore are pretty nice, they might also be out of your budget. See what else you can find that celebrates your time in school while costing a little less. Key chains, bumper stickers, t-shirts on the clearance rack (will your cousin really know?), plastic cups, and lots of other presents can be had for under $10 -- and even under $5, if you really spend some time looking.

3. Give the gift of time. Money may be in tight supply for you, but time may not be -- especially if you need a gift for the holidays, when you're home on break. Consider planning a nice walk with your mom, volunteering with your dad, hanging out with your friend at his work one afternoon, or even babysitting for your parents so they can get some time to themselves.

4. Make something from scratch. Nearly everyone has some kind of creative talent. Think about what you do best and run with it. Can you write a few poems? Paint a picture? Mold something out of clay? Take some awesome photographs? Make something from wood? Write a song? Record yourself singing your mother's favorite tunes? Don't sell yourself short as a great source of gifts you can make completely on your own.

5. Put together a piece of your life at college. It doesn't have to be fancy to be effective. If, say, your grandmother never had the chance to go to college, put together a shadow box or collage of images from your time in school. You can collect things like stickers, fall leaves, a page from the course catalog, or articles from the school paper to give her a piece of what your college life is like.

6. Make a memory box for an old friend or family member. You can probably find a nice little box somewhere on campus or at a local big box or drug store. Cut up some nice pieces of paper and write a cherished memory of you and the person you're giving your gift to; fold them over once or twice; Then write a nice card that explains the gift and says how often they can unwrap one of the little "memories" in the box (once a week? once a month?)> It can be a great trip down memory lane for you and a very personal, meaningful gift for an old friend or beloved family member.

7. Frame a design you make. Who says only a photograph can go in a picture frame? Start with a piece of paper and get creative. Print or cut out quotes about the importance of education, snip headlines from your school paper, take (or sketch) a picture of your school -- as long as you put together something with a similar theme (e.g., your campus), it's hard to make a homemade gift like this look bad. Let your creativity flow without worrying about the cost.

8. Switch up a usual gift into something different. Dinner and a movie is a pretty classic gift for a girlfriend, boyfriend, or even parent's birthday. But if your money is tight, you can switch things up to have an equally good time without the high school. Consider, for example, going to breakfast and a movie. The food bill will be cheaper, your movie will likely be a matinee (and cheaper than an evening film), and you and the person you take will have a unique experience, too.

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5 Cheap Date Ideas

Exciting news: you have a date coming up. It may be with someone you've had your eye on for a long time, or just someone who has piqued your interest. With not a lot of money to spare, though, it may seem like your options are limited.

Having a good time doesn't have to correlate to spending a lot of money. (You have a budget to stick to, after all!) Any one of these five ideas can turn into a fun date without breaking the bank.

1. Head to a small, family-owned restaurant instead of a large chain. Ask around campus to see if people know of smaller, delicious, and often cheaper places than some of the larger chain restaurants in town. The dinner will most likely be quieter, more intimate, and much more friendly.

2. Find something fun (and free) in the community. Is there a poetry slam this weekend? A reading by an author you both like? A band performing in a park? Check to see what's available that won't cost much and will allow you to get to know each other better while enjoying something new and fun.

3. Do something outside. Buy sandwiches at a local deli, go for a hike, and have a picnic somewhere nice.

4. Visit a cultural center. Many museums, art galleries, cultural centers, and libraries have reduced (if not free) admission for college students. Go see an exhibit and enjoy the time off campus.

5. Meet for coffee or a drink instead of dinner. Getting together doesn't have to mean having a huge (and often expensive) meal. Meet for coffee in the afternoon or drinks in the evening. You can have an equally nice time without having to spend as much money.

(No matter what your dating plans are, though, make sure you stay safe while out.)

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NEW Article: 5 Last-Minute Costume Ideas

Still struggling to find the perfect costume for Halloween?

Don't worry, you're not alone. With so much going on, many students simply aren't able to pull their costume together until the last minute. Fortunately, however, getting a last-minute costume doesn't have to leave you in the awkward position of "well, I had to put something together just today" at your campus Halloween party. In the spirit of last-minute endeavors, I just put together a list of 5 Last-Minute Costume Ideas for College Students.

Enjoy!

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50 College Summer Ideas

50 Ways to Stay Entertained Over a College Summer

26. Take a knife class. Learning how to properly use a knife in the kitchen is both handy and impressive -- and yet very few people do it correctly. Taking a knife class at a local cooking school will be entertaining and super helpful as you learn to cook for yourself more and more.
27. Get a massage at a massage school. You're a student; you know how important it is to learn by doing. Find a local massage school and help another student learn his or her trade. Added bonus: massage-school massages are usually way cheaper than the regular ones and just as good.
28. Get a funky haircut. You may not even get a haircut while you're away at school. Why not use summer as a time to get a little funky with color or style?
29. Go to a museum. Go see some art, plants, science, history, or anything else you find interesting. And make sure to use your student ID for a discount.
30. Go through your old stuff and donate what you don't use or need. Do you have things for 2 lives: your college life and your pre-college life? Someone, somewhere will probably be grateful for all of those sweatshirts and t-shirts you're no longer using.
31. Try your hand at creative writing. You can try to write poems, a short story, or even music. You never know what you might come up with when you have the time and freedom to really let your mind explore!
32. Go to a play. It doesn't have to be Shakespeare but it should be fun. When's the last night you went to the theater -- not for a class -- anyway?
33. Go to a major sports game. Baseball, basketball, soccer -- it doesn't matter. Grab some friends and head to the stadium.
34. Go to a minor sports game. Things like minor league baseball games can be incredibly fun and much cheaper than the big leagues. See who's around your town and when you can watch 'em play.
35. Go to a film festival. Film festivals can be a great way to see new, independent films that you might not otherwise see, and summer is a great time to find a festival that focuses on the kinds of films you like.
36. Go to a concert. Who doesn't like a late-night, all-out, super-fun, big-name concert?
37. Take a bartending class. It's fun, it's handy, it's a great way to meet people with similar interests. What's not to like?
38. Act like a tourist in your own town. If you were in your town on vacation, what would you do? You might surprise yourself by finding new things to do and see.
39. Go for a bike ride. People seem to ride bikes less and less the older they get. But bike rides can be a fun way to get out and get some exercise.
40. Grab some kites, friends, burgers, beers, and a picnic table. With that combo, how can you go wrong?
41. Go to a water park. Summer is prime time for water park fun -- as long as you remember the suntan lotion.
42. Make your own fun "water park day." You don't have to have a water park near you to enjoy yourself. Grab some water balloons, a Slip 'n Slide, a kiddie pool (that can be used for lounging or even, when filled with ice, for storing drinks), some friends, and a hose.
43. Take a dance class. Feel awkward when you go out clubbing with friends? A dance class can help, even if it's something funky like swing or salsa.
44. Clean up your e-life. Super fun? Probably not. Will you feel better afterward? Most definitely. Dump your old facebook friends, clean up your laptop desktop, and delete old pictures you don't want -- or would hate to get in the wrong hands -- from your camera or phone. A clean e-slate is a great way to start your new year.
45. Host your own Iron Chef competition. Gather several friends and divide them into groups. Then, at a certain time one Saturday morning, e-mail out the secret ingredient. Everyone has to report back to, say, your house at 5:00. People will have fun and you'll have dinner on top of it.
46. Take a photography class. It can be a great way to have fun, meet people, get some skills, and see new parts of your town.
47. Organize an event at your church, temple, mosque, etc. If you're a little bored this summer, chances are others are, too. Organize something fun with people you have something in common with.
48. Go to a music festival. The weather's nice, the music's great, and the people are fun and interesting. Take advantage of summer music festivals while you can.
49. Go golfing. Never been? Golfing can be a great workout, a fun way to spend the day outside, and an important skill to learn if you're interested in going into the business field.
50. Head to an amusement park. It's a summer classic and can easily turn into one of the highlights of your summer.

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2010 Halloween Costume Ideas for Men

Being a male college student and trying to find a Halloween costume can be a bit challenging. Luckily, however, 2010 presented us with a wide range of ridiculous, retro, and overall really great options to choose from.

2010 College Halloween Costumes for Men

1. The guy from the Old Spice commercials. Look at him, look at yourself. Look at him, look at yourself. And then look in your closet to see what you can wear under that towel so you don't scare everyone -- even if it is Halloween.
   
2. Jon Stewart. A classic but goody, especially with "Rally to Restore Sanity" scheduled for October 30.
   
3. Stephen Colbert. Similar to Jon Stewart, Colbert can be easily imitated with some quick finds from your closet.
   
4. Mark Zuckerberg. The founder of Facebook -- and subject of the recent "The Social Network" movie -- can be fun to dress up and act like at any Halloween shindig.
   
5. Barack Obama. Will being him ever go out of style? You can be Professor Obama (from his days at the University of Chicago) or President Obama. Either way, you'll be the hit of the party -- especially if you come with a Michelle.
   
6. Any character from Glee. It would be a challenge not to at least have a little fun dressing up as Will Schuester.
   
7. Any character from Mad Men. The retro hair, suits, attitude ... and the perfect excuse to be able to pull it all together.
   
8. "The Situation" from Jersey Shore. Yes, he's ridiculous, but he'll also make a kickin' Halloween costume. If you can find time to put something together between gym, tan, laundry, that is.

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College Breakfast Ideas

If you're one of the rare college students who actually eats breakfast, chances are you're rushed and short on ideas. And if you're one of the many college students who skips breakfast, chances are you're hungry for most of the day.

Eating breakfast -- even during your crazy-busy college years -- is, as your mom told you, highly important. That little morning meal can help you focus, maintain your energy, prevent you from overeating throughout the day, and overall help kick-start your days. So what kinds of things can you eat that won't break your bank -- or your waistline?

15 College Breakfast Ideas

1. Muffins. You can buy 'em pre-made or you can make them yourself. Either way, they won't go stale for a while and are easy to grab (and eat!) as you're running out the door.
   
2. Toasted English muffin and peanut butter. It's easy. It's cheap. And it's full of protein to help you power through your day.
3. Peanut butter and jelly. Even the busiest of students can find 30 seconds to put together this classic.
   
4. A piece of fresh fruit. An apple, a banana ... they're nature's original to-go food and good for you, too.
   
5. Granola or energy bar. Keep an eye on the calories, but these little guys can pack a big punch when it comes to helping you make it through your morning.
   
6. Veggies. Who says you can only have fruit for breakfast? Grab a bag of baby carrots and munch on it on your way to class. Added bonus: You can keep the snack bag with you throughout the day and munch as needed.
   
7. Yogurt. You can get it in a cup, in a smoothie, or even in a frozen pop. But yogurt is a healthy breakfast that often tastes like dessert. What's not to like about that?
   
8. Cereal and milk. It's a classic for a reason. Consider buying cereal in bulk, too; you can split it with your friends and save some serious cash.
   
9. Dry cereal in a baggie. Don't have time to eat a nice bowl of your favorite cereal with milk? Pour some in a Ziploc bag for an instant, on-the-go snack.
   
10. Trail mix. The stuff strangely seems to last forever and is a great way to power up without losing too much time -- or cash. Just make sure the mix you get isn't candy in disguise.
    
11. Breakfast burrito. You can buy frozen ones you can cook in the microwave, but they're so cheap and easy buying them pre-made seems like a waste. Tortillas + scrambled eggs + cheese + other tasty items = awesome breakfast you can eat on the run. Consider adding leftovers from last night's dinner (veggies and rice, beans, meat) for extra oomph.
    
12. Frozen waffles or pancakes. You can buy these frozen in the store or make a ton yourself and then freeze them. Either way, a quick drop in the toaster leads to a great hot breakfast with little to no effort.
    
13. Pop Tarts or their equivalent. Consider buying a generic brand if these are your thing; you'll save money but still get a little morning treat.
    
14. Cheese and crackers. Cutting a few slices of cheese = 30 seconds. Grabbing some crackers = 15 seconds. Throwing everything in a little Ziploc bag = 15 seconds. And it all adds up to a tasty little breakfast in under a minute.
    
15. Dried fruit. Consider buying this in bulk to save money as well. A small baggie of dried apricots and/or pineapple and/or apples and/or whatever else you like is an easy way to get a healthy, fruit-based breakfast -- without having to worry about the fruit going bad.
    

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2010 Halloween Costume Ideas for Women

Not sure what to wear to celebrate Halloween on your college campus? Need something trendy, fun, but easy and affordable? Luckily, 2010 presented more than enough options for female college students to choose from.

2010 College Halloween Costumes for Women

1. Lady Gaga. From her all-lace costume to the meat dress, there are tons of options to choose from here. A quick Google Image search should provide more than enough ideas, depending on how avant-garde you want to be!
   
2. "Flo" from the Progressive commercials. A brown wig (or some hairspray if you have brown hair), a headband, white pants, a white polo shirt, an apron, and some red lipstick are all this costume takes. Don't forget the name tag, though!
   
3. Bristol Palin. She's been in the news a lot this year, and her Dancing on the Stars turn should provide a wide range of costumes to choose from.
   
4. Megan McCain. Another political figure who is easy to imitate, both in style and in clothing.
   
5. Oprah Winfrey. With her show going off the air this year, she's been in the news a lot. And she can make a quick and easy person to imitate with a little hairspray, make-up, and thrift-store finds.
   
6. Any character from Glee. Sue Sylvester, anyone?
   
7. Any character from Mad Men. The clothes are retro and the hair and make-up will be a kick to put together. What's not to love?
   
8. Snooki. Oh, just admit it: that show sucks people in. And when else will it be socially acceptable to use a Bumpit for your pouf?

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