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Our Favorite Podcasts to Listen to While Traveling Home for Thanksgiving

Midterms are finally over (congrats, you made it!), and it’s now time to head home for Thanksgiving. Now, you're maxing out your suitcase with all of your necessities and the dirty laundry you’ve been letting pile up so that you can do it at home in your beloved laundry machines that actually clean your clothes. Trust us, we’ve all been there. Heading Home For Thanksgiving? It’s time to head home for Thanksgiving, and you likely have a long travel journey ahead. Maybe you’ve got a boarding pass in hand, or perhaps you’re preparing for a lengthy road trip to get from your university campus to your hometown. Whether you’re flying across the country or just a few hours away, a good podcast can always make the trip feel faster (and a little more mentally stimulating than scrolling TikTok for three hours straight). From funny interviews to interesting stories and motivational episodes for your “new year, new me” mindset, here are our favorite podcasts to keep you company in the clouds or on the road. For The Athlete: Pardon My Take The perfect mix of sports, humor, and outrageous takes. Barstool Sports’ favorite podcast is basically like sitting court side at your favorite game while laughing with your friends. Start with this one: For the Pop Culture Enthusiast: The Toast Pop culture, celebrity news, and everything in between. This one keeps you up-to-date while giving you plenty of laughs along the way. Start with this one: For the Entrepreneur: Aspire with Emma Grede Emma Grede (one of the brains behind Skims and Good American) chats with industry leaders and rising stars about career growth, entrepreneurship, and personal branding. This podcast is perfect for career inspiration or anyone thinking about their next steps. Start with this one: For the Career Go-Getter: Diary of a CEO Steven Bartlett sits down with founders, creators, and thought leaders to talk about success, failure, and the lessons in between. Perfect if you’re thinking about your future career or just love hearing honest, behind-the-scenes stories from people building their dreams. Start with this one: For the Wellness Enthusiast: Move With Heart with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg Melissa blends movement, mindfulness, and real talk about mental health. It’s like a little self-care session you can take on the plane. Start with this one: For the Fashion Lover: The Business of Fashion Podcast From trends to industry insights, this is a must-listen for anyone obsessed with the fashion world, and it’s a fun way to feel a little fancy on a long trip. Start with this one: For Those in the Creative Industry: Colin and Samir Podcast Colin and Samir dive into the business of content creation, creativity, and the digital media world. A must-listen if you’re curious about careers in YouTube, social media, or creative entrepreneurship. Start with this one: Real Life is Enjoying the Journey No matter how long your trip is (whether it’s a quick drive home or a cross-country flight) these podcasts are the perfect way to pass the time, get inspired, or just laugh your way through the real life of travel chaos. Pop in your headphones, kick back, and let the journey home feel a little faster (and a lot more fun). Safe travels, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Friendsgiving Recipes & Hosting Tips for Dorms and College Apartments

Celebrate college friendships with a cozy dorm Friendsgiving. Easy recipes, DIY decor, and simple tips for memorable meals with your closest friends.

Homesickness in College: How to Deal, Adjust & Thrive

Feeling homesick in college? You’re not alone. Learn why it happens, how long it lasts, and the best ways to adjust, cope, and thrive on your own.

Midterm Survival Guide - Tips & Tricks for Coming Out on Top

Survive midterms without burning out! Our Real Life Co Midterm Survival Guide gives college students study tips, productivity hacks, and self-care strategies to stay sane, sleep well, and crush exams.

Wellness Routines for College Students

Simple, realistic habits to help college students feel better, think clearer, and stress less, without complicated routines or impossible wellness trends.

How to Do Laundry for the First Time Without Ruining Your Clothes

New to laundry? Learn how to properly load the washing machine, avoid overloading the dryer, and keep your clothes wrinkle-free with these simple steps.

Real Life Tales : The Germaphobe's Nightmare

What happens when six college students share one kitchen — and one of them stops doing the dishes? A real roommate story about boundaries, breakdowns, and the unlikely bond that came out of the mess.

Become the Guy with the Cool Room

Moving into college? Skip the navy sheets and “Friday Beers” flags. This ultimate dorm guide for guys covers everything you actually need for a comfortable, clean, and stylish college room.

College Cleaning 101: How to Keep Your Dorm Fresh and Organized

You Made It to College, Now You Have to Clean It You did it. You moved in, decorated your dorm, and made it your own. Now comes the not so glamorous part: keeping it that way. The start of freshman year is all about adjusting to independence — which includes the shocking realization that no one’s doing your laundry, stocking your fridge, or scrubbing the bathroom anymore. Suddenly, you miss the way your mom tucked in your sheets and somehow made “hospital corners” look effortless. But here’s the truth: cleaning and organization are some of the first real adult skills you’ll learn. When your space is clean, you think better, sleep better, and stress less. The trick is to not let it overwhelm you. So here’s a simple system: think of your chores like different types of friends. Some you see every day, some once a week, and some just every now and then. They all matter. Daily Tasks: Your Ride-or-Die Friends The ones you hang out with every day, low-maintenance, dependable, and they make your life easier. Morning Routine — Before You Head Out Make your bed. If it takes up half your room, making it basically cleans half your room. Do your dishes as you go. Don’t let cute mugs turn into science experiments. Before Bed — Five Minutes of Peace Hang up your clothes. Dirty clothes → hamper. Jackets and jeans → back on hangers. Five-minute rule. Spend five minutes tidying up: refill the Brita, wipe down the desk, rinse your coffee maker.You’ll thank yourself tomorrow. Weekly Tasks: Your Core Friend Group You don’t see them daily, but every catch-up makes life better. Bathroom Reset. Wipe counters, clean the mirror, scrub the toilet, and swap out towels. Laundry Day. Wash the week off — yes, even your gym clothes. Floor Time. Sweep or vacuum. It’s quick and instantly refreshing. Change Your Sheets. Just… trust us. Always have an extra set for easy swaps. Take Out the Trash. Even if it’s not overflowing. Your future self (and your roommate) will be grateful. Fridge Check. Toss expired food, move anything close to expiring to the front, and make a quick grocery list. Pick a “reset day” that fits your schedule — Sundays are classic, but mid-week means shorter lines at the laundry room and grocery store. Periodic Tasks: The Friends You Forget You Love You don’t see them often, but when you do, everything feels refreshed again. Deep-Clean the Bathroom. Scrub the shower and floors, wash the shower curtain, replace the liner, and clean your caddy. Check Expiration Dates. Skincare, makeup, food, spices, cleaning products — yes, they all expire. Rotate Your Wardrobe. Store off-season clothes under the bed or in bins to free up space. Hit the Hidden Spots. Behind furniture, under the bed, windowsills — all the places dust loves to hide. Set a monthly or bi-monthly reminder so you don’t forget these sneaky tasks. And There You Have It You’ve got your priorities in order, reminders set, and laundry day locked in. Keeping a clean dorm doesn’t mean becoming a neat freak — it just means taking care of yourself. A clean space = a clear head.

Manifesting College Visualizing a Successful First Week

Visualize Your Next Adventure: Embrace Life Transitions with Ease The best way to tackle a major life change is to visualize every step. If someone had said to me, “Hannah, in a couple months you’ll be living somewhere completely new with a whole new friend group,” I would have felt uneasy. Living where? With whom? What will it even look like? But with a little visualization and intentional planning, stepping into a new adventure can feel exciting rather than intimidating. Take a Deep Breath and Imagine Close your eyes and picture yourself walking into your dorm for the first time. Feel confident, enthusiastic, and ready to embrace this new chapter. Visualize arranging your room, finding a place for all your favorite belongings, and making it feel cozy and homey. Picture Connection and Comfort See yourself introducing yourself to new people with ease, laughing with your roommate, and navigating campus confidently. Think about the little joys—like finding your favorite coffee shop or ice cream parlor nearby. Set aside $10 to treat yourself on your first day. Set Achievable Goals Write down small, realistic goals to guide your transition. For example: Meet three new people in each class. Explore a new spot on campus each week. Then, create affirmations that resonate with you. Some ideas: My future friends can’t wait to meet me. I am meant to be here. I will grow from every new challenge I face. Practice Daily Visualization Spend a few minutes each day imagining your ideal experience. Picture yourself thriving in your new environment. Over time, this simple practice will help you approach any change with confidence, excitement, and a sense of purpose. Takeaway Transitions—big or small—are easier when you prepare your mind as well as your schedule. By visualizing each step, setting achievable goals, and reinforcing positive affirmations, you can turn nervous uncertainty into confident curiosity and excitement for the adventure ahead.

5 Recipes you can learn before you head off to school

Make Your Parents Dinner: You’ve Had 18 Years of Practice! Let’s face it, your parents have been feeding you your whole life. It’s about time you returned the favor! Cooking is a life skill you’ll be grateful for in college (or whenever you get your own kitchen). I remember my senior year in college when a friend named Danny couldn’t cook anything. Literally. Our film class made a documentary about teaching 22-year-old Danny how to cook a chicken breast. Hilarious? Yes. But also a warning: it’s better to practice now before you’re on your own. Here are five beginner-friendly recipes that will make you look like a kitchen pro. 1. Wok This Way: Stir-Fry Veggies and Rice Quick, healthy, and perfect for date night—or just a tasty solo dinner. Ingredients: 1 cup rice (white or brown) Mixed veggies (fresh or frozen) Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce Protein of your choice (chicken, tofu, or beef) Olive oil or sesame oil Instructions: Cook rice according to package instructions. Heat oil in a pan and sauté your protein until cooked through. Add veggies and stir-fry until tender. Toss everything together with soy or teriyaki sauce and serve over rice. Pro tip: Add butter, a pinch of salt, or a splash of chicken broth to your rice for extra flavor. 2. Taco 'Bout Easy Tacos are a safe bet—everyone loves them! Ingredients: Ground beef, chicken, or beans (for a vegetarian option) Taco seasoning (or homemade: cumin, chili powder, garlic) Tortillas (soft or hard shell) Toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, salsa, sour cream Instructions: Brown your meat (or heat beans) in a pan, then stir in taco seasoning with a splash of water and simmer. Warm tortillas in a pan or microwave. Assemble tacos with your favorite toppings. Pro tip: Save leftover seasoned meat for scrambled eggs the next morning—it’s a game changer. 3. Viva la Pasta: Aglio e Olio Simple, elegant, and perfect for impressing friends. Ingredients: Spaghetti (or any pasta) Olive oil (Italian if possible) 2–3 garlic cloves, minced Red pepper flakes (optional) Parmesan cheese (freshly grated tastes best) Instructions: Boil pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Drain pasta and toss it in the garlic olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve. Pro tip: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. 4. Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner: Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies One tray, one meal—done. Ingredients: Chicken breasts or thighs Assorted veggies (potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, etc.) Olive oil Salt, pepper, and herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.) Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut veggies into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Place chicken and veggies on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender. Pro tip: Leftovers make a perfect addition to your Aglio e Olio pasta the next day. 5. I Prefer to Call It a Toastie: Grilled Cheese Grilled cheese, leveled up. Presentation counts, so slice neatly and pair with tomato soup for extra flair. Ingredients: 2 slices of bread (sourdough or whole grain works best) Cheese mixture (Gruyere + Cheddar is a game changer) Butter Optional extras: caramelized onions, tomato slices, bacon, or herbs Instructions: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese (and extras if using) between slices, with buttered sides facing out. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Pro tip: Layer extras like caramelized onions or bacon inside before grilling for maximum flavor. Now you’re ready to impress your parents, friends, or even yourself. Plus, you can finally skip the cafeteria once in a while.

Purge. Store. Take.

A Failproof Guide to Packing for Fall Semester “What is that?” My new roommate was eyeing the outfits I’d spread across my dorm bed. “It’s a sheer, bubblegum pink apron blouse… with a matching skirt,” I said, defending myself weakly. “Why do you even own that?” she asked. “And—wait—you don’t own jeans?” Unfortunately, that exchange was real. I showed up to college with four suitcases full of “special occasion” outfits and not a single thing I could actually wear to class. If only someone had stopped me and said: Put down the sequin Uggs and grab a pack of tank tops instead. So, learn from my mistakes. Take everything out of your closet—yes, everything and let’s sort it together. Pile 1: The Heavy Hitters These are your go-tos. The clothes you actually wear on rotation—your favorite jeans, hoodies, leggings, and tees. College is about 90% casual wear. Think about what you’ll reach for from your 8 AM class to your 11:59 PM essay submission. Those pieces?They’re coming with you. Pile 2: The “You Only Need One” Rainy campus? Pack one rain jacket and one pair of rain boots.Snowy winters? One solid coat and one set of gloves.Rushing a sorority or fraternity? One dress or one suit will do. Remember—you’re going to school, not moving to a deserted island. If you end up needing something else, you can always call home and have it shipped. Pile 3: The Call-Home-For-It Pile This is for the “maybe later” items—like a nice dress for a formal, or snow boots for that spontaneous cabin weekend. You might need them once, you might never. Keep them easy to find so your family can mail them out if the time comes. Pile 4: The Purge If it doesn’t fit, if it still has tags from 2022, if you “meant to return it,” or if it’s full of holes, say goodbye. Someone else can give it a second life, and you’ll gain both closet space and mental clarity. (Also, your family might secretly want your closet back.) Pile 5: The Maybes and the Spring Pile These are the pieces you like but don’t need right now.Ask yourself: Can I live without this for one semester?Pack your spring items neatly in one of our cute luggage sets and store them at home. When winter break comes, you’ll already be halfway packed for next semester. And That’s It! Step back and admire your edited closet. You’ll clearly see what’s missing..maybe a few basics, like fresh tees or socks that actually match.The best part of decluttering? Making space for something new you actually love.

How to Say Goodbye

Heading off to college? Don’t let your last summer at home slip by. From final brunches and park walks to crafting keepsakes with friends, this pre-college bucket list helps you celebrate the little moments and make lasting memories before you move into your dorm.

From panic pile to power pose (on your new rug, obviously).

Moving can be stressful, but adulting starts here. Follow these college dorm tips to pack smart, stay organized, and settle into your new space with confidence