College students are creatures of habit. We hang out with the same people. Got to the same bars. Buy the same types of clothes. Take the same classes. And you can’t blame us really. We know what we like. We know what works. So why change a good thing, right? Right. But not only does that apply to clothes and classes, it also applies to the kitchen. Because if there is one thing that has been made a college cliche, it’s college food. We’re known for our Red bull and Ramen noodles. But hey we’re creatures of habit, and we like what we like…

We’ve all been subjected to them, but which of the most widely known Freshman Year stereotypes are false?

#1 The Freshman Fifteen- This is the alligators-in-the-sewers equivalent of college urban legends. Paranoia runs wild in freshman dorms in front of the mirrors, as we wonder if That Dessert just contributed to the infamous Fifteen. The truth is, if you don’t stuff your face at the all-you-can-eat cafeteria, and make some effort at aerobic activity, it’s not going to happen to you. With the stress of being in a completely new situation, I actually lost weight, and went through a phase where I couldn’t eat. With a trip to the gym a couple times a week, or simply knowing when to push back from the table, you’ll be absolutely safe from the mythical menace. The Freshman Fifteen, like most urban legends, is what you make it.

#2 You’ll be broke and living on Ramen Noodles- Absolutely false. Most colleges have an amazing setup of places on campus where you can eat using your meal plan, no extra money necessary. While Ramen Noodles are absolutely tasty, eating them is absolutely your choice. If by chance you do end up wanting spare cash, your college should offer a variety of part-time jobs you can work, often in more than one place. Ironically, despite their price tag, colleges understand that college students want money, and there are continuous jobs available for students. Be careful, though:work too many hours, and your grades may suffer.

#3 The dorms are full of constant parties, and nobody gets any studying done- This varies from dorm to dorm, but generally in freshman dorms, this is false. Nobody’s legal age, yet, and most of us are finding out that college classes are a lot harder than high school classes. While there are wild moments (fire trucks consistently show up with sirens blazing at the all-male dorm next to mine), and wild people (like the person who keeps setting trashcan fires in the Business building), you tend to have to seek out parties, rather than evade them. In the event that you are in the party dorm, you still have two options: the library is open almost all night, or you can join in.

#4 You Shouldn’t Be In A Relationship Freshman Year- Obvi, this depends entirely on you and whether you want an exclusive relationship. Personally, I chose to date my first semester, and while it was the right choice for me, I handled it badly. There’s a lot of responsibility associated with having a boyfriend your first semester of college (not skipping class to sleep in with him, or going out every night with him and blowing off assigned reading), and it can be fun to play the field a bit as a single lady. In the end though, like college itself, it’s all on you and what you choose to do.

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Puppies are cute, snuggly Cancer detectors.

This can’t be the actual video, right?

Another book I really don’t want to read, but most definitely will.

You can never trust a man to do anything right.

I will never look at Ramen the same way again.

Why are we so addicted to watching rich people on TV?

Want to hate Spencer and Heidi even more? Find out how much money they rake in…for being annoying.

The Clothes that Got me Laid: better than a wingman.

Everyone hates “Project Runway” this season.

Ugh – I should have been a naval architect.

Looks like I won’t be watching the VMAs after all.

Below is my list of the five MUST HAVES that got me through those hungry, fun and crazy college days. And don’t worry; there is still plenty of room for the beer.

1. Ramen noodles. While not the best food for your figure (sodium overload and absolutely no nutritional value), it’s great on a budget (you can get something like 10 boxes for $1.99). Throw in some veggies and you can have a quick and cheap stir-fry.

2. Salsa. This condiment spices up casseroles, nachos (which are a PERFECT drunk time/late night snack) and even omelets and eggs.

3. Velveeta. Great for sandwiches, mac & cheese (an essential college meal) and melting into a bowl for dipping animal crackers (You think I’m nuts, but just TRY it!).

4. Brita. I never thought this was necessary until I got to college and realized that natural tap water is filled with some seriously nasty gunk. Nothin’ that’ll kill ya or anything, but still, not the best stuff to put into your body (as I’m currently slugging back a vodka/seltzer – ha!). You can get an easy maintenance one at Target, Walmart and other similar stores.

5. Red Bull. Everyone has those nights where they need to pump up and rally. Red Bull, otherwise known as speed in a can, will do the trick. Chug one of these guys for a night at the library, or a night on the town; it will get you through and leave you feeling fantastic.

Those are my five little must-haves. What are yours?

My friends are constantly complimenting me on my cooking. It’s always difficult for me to figure out exactly how to respond to a, “THIS IS SO F&*ING GOOD” remark. Typically, that’s because now in my post-Ramen noodle days; it really does seem so simple to me. I can just imagine ingredients that will taste good together.

Granted, some recipes CAN take all afternoon. However, since I have a life…I try to stick to those 15 minute or less recipes when I can. I seem to find that chicken is great for this. I’m always thinking of new flavors for chicken and making them happen WITHOUT taking the time out to marinate. Surprise, surprise: meats can soak in awesome flavor if they’re just cooked with a sauce. You no longer have to plan your meals three hours in advance.

So here are some concoctions I’ve come up with for my chicken. AND how to make them healthy–without sacrificing any of their yummy goodness.

These are all for four skinless chicken breasts. And they’re all pretty great in wraps, too.

CHEDDAR RANCH BACON

1/2 a bag of Kraft Fat Free Cheddar Cheese

4 slices of turkey bacon

1/2 cup of Low Fat Ranch dressing

Fry up the bacon and then tear it into small pieces. Mix them all together and fry in a skillet with the chicken.

SPICY & SWEET CHICKEN

1/2 jar of HOT Salsa

1 small can of pineapple, in its juice

1/4 cup of orange juice

1 lime

Mix the salsa, pineapple, and orange juice together. Squeeze juice from lime in. Make sure to add salt and pepper and fry in a skillet with the chicken.

BEER HONEY CHICKEN

1 glass of light beer

2 tbsp of honey

Mix together in a skillet.

I could probably name 60 of these recipes I have so far. The basic idea is to be creative and brave. And then mix it up in a skillet with chicken. Got any other rad chicken ideas? We’d love to hear ‘em (just don’t tell PETA)!

I Love New York.

No, I am not talking about the VH1 show, or the person (really, who is named New York?), but rather, I love New York City. The diversity, the nightlife, the arts, the shopping- NYC is the ideal city… if you’re crapping out money, that is.

A cozy apartment, dinners at the trendiest restaurants and of course, as many Manolo’s and Jimmy Choo’s that will fit into my apartment. If that was life as a journalist for Carrie Bradshaw, then surely, my life couldn’t be much different. My biggest challenge would obviously be learning how to run down 5th avenue in heels or pull off that black bra/white shirt combo that she made look so effortlessly cool.

Just when I was about to boycott Sarah Jessica Parker for giving me false hopes, Urban Hostess looks like it can make my dream a reality.

A website designed to help the recent college graduates, NY college students or first-timers in NYC. Whether you are looking for a steal or a luxury apartment, UH helps find exactly what you’re looking for by pairing you up with a broker who can meet your specific needs.

To put it simply- Brokers are eager to screw over those who don’t know the first thing about NY real estate. Urban Hostess gets rid of that possibility by creating an environment where Brokers are literally competing for your business and keeping your best interests at heart.

Urbanhostess.com provides you with everything you need to know about looking for a place in New York. From a virtual neighborhood guide, to finding a broker, to average neighborhood prices, Urban Hostess helps to empower Y-O-U.

And even better, if you click here, you will save 20% (yes, you read that right!) just because you are a CC reader (which, clearly, makes you fabulous).

Thanks to Urban Hostess, you can save that extra money towards your first pair of Manolo’s (or on more Ramen Noodles- whatever you so choose).