Today Cosmopolitan Magazine is written to “help women achieve their personal and professional goals”, but (according to Wikipedia) the original 1886 publication had a family focus, transformed into a literary periodical and eventually became a women’s magazine in the late 1960s.

In the late 1800s, Paul Schlicht purportedly told his readers that the publication was a “first-class family magazine”. When owenership changed hands in the 1890s, Cosmo became a leader in the market for fiction, eventually offering a free correspondence school:

“No charge of any kind will be made to the student. All expenses for the present will be borne by the Cosmopolitan. No conditions, except a pledge of a given number of hours of study.”

Over 20,000 students signed up immediately! With such high demand Cosmo started asking students to contribute $20 a year.

In the 1950s Cosmo ran less fiction and circulation dropped as paperbacks and television became more popular. The magazine evolved into a special interest publication targeting a specialized audience – young women.

Today featured topics include: sex, relationships, beauty, fashion and health and for a limited time students can get a one-year subscription for only $15 at StudentMags.com (a discount provider on the Student Advantage program).

eBags.com reports that at the beginning of May, Apple had sold 1 million iPads. Some quick searches on Google show that people are definitely searching for ways to protect their new devices.

To keep your iPad protected and looking sleek, screen protectors and cases are crucial. Look for cases that protect your tablet without compromising the operation or appearance of the device. Check out the iPad cases, skins and sleeves available right now at eBags.com. Here are some of my top picks:

Brenthaven Switch Satchel iPad / Netbook Case

Brenthaven designs high-performance laptop bags to survive the rigors of everyday life… on the open road, at school, in the home or in the office. The Switch Satchel features a patent-pending reversible flap! Just ‘flip it and clip it’ for a whole new style. Features a custom fit compartment for iPad.

Hard Candy Cases iPad Sleek Skin

Hard Candy Cases combine new, attention-grabbing designs with outstandingly protective and innovative case features. The  iPad Sleek Skin is constructed of exceptionally shock-absorbing TPU rubber that won’t stretch or surrender. Easier cleaning AND snap-on integrated screen enclosure.

Case Logic 10.2″ Netbook/iPad Sleeve

Case Logic’s innovative organization solutions support your mobile lifestyle. Form fitting sleeve accommodates netbooks, iPads and mini laptops with up to 10.2″ screens. The Slimline design includes durable neoprene lining cushions that protects your device.

Higher Ground 10″ Flak Jacket

Higher Ground provides exceptional protection and value with the Flak Jacket. Shock absorbing foam (more advanced than neoprene) and corrugated plastic stiffeners provide complete protection for your iPad in a slim, lightweight solution. Becomes a lap desk when device is removed!

Nuo Chloe Dao for Nuo™ Envelope Clutch 10.2″

From Project Runway winner Chloe Dao – experience the best of fashion and function with the Chloe Dao for Nuo™ Clutch Style Netbook/iPad Envelope. Anti-scratch poly-cotton velvet lining and checkpoint-friendly design (device can stay in sleeve while going through airport security).

eBags offers a 110% price guarantee, free returns on all orders and savings of up to 70% MSRP. Plus, don’t forget that Cardholders get an extra 10% OFF and FREE Shipping at eBags.com. The Student Advantage discount can be applied to all the products listed above excluding Hard Candy Cases.

Last week we asked you to guess the 10th most popular college poster. With 33% of the votes, you guessed: The Great Wave at Kanagawa , c.1829

With 22% of the votes, the runner up was: Endless Summer

With only 11% of the votes, the actual answer is: Monkey Thinker – Steez

Thanks for all the votes! Better luck on the guessing next time! Don’t forget: for a limited time, Cardholder get 20% OFF everything at AllPosters.com.

As a college student I spent my first two years living on campus until I realized I could lower the amount of college loans I would have to pay back by living in an apartment. Living off campus can be a great saving option if you are prepared and have planned out the ways to save money. Here are some helpful tips to see if moving off campus is really for you.

Start Now…

Find Roommates- Let’s face it. You are not going to save money if you are living in a one-bedroom apartment all by yourself, so get out there and find some roommates. In my own experience the more people the more you will save. Its important to find trustworthy people that you can rely on so start by asking people you know.

No Fee- When you go though a realtor you want to be sure there are not going to be any fees. A NO FEE apartment is what you are looking for. This means that the landlord will be compensating the realtor for showing you the place, and you can move in without paying the realtor a fee. NOTE: Many students are not aware that you have to pay a security deposit, as well as first and last month rent just to take a place off the market and move in. This means you may have to pay up to three months rent before you even move into the apartment, (this varies by state) so start saving NOW!

Utilities Included- When searching for a place be sure to try and find one where the heat and hot water are included if you can. If not you should always ask to see the prior billing statements of the last year so you can factor it into your expenses ahead of time. Living somewhere where it gets really cold in the winter means your heating bill is going to skyrocket in the colder months, leaving you with a bill you were unprepared for and unable to pay. Having heat included in your monthly rent works to your advantage.

Let Friends and Family Know- In my experience tell EVERYONE! Friends and family are there to help! Everyone has furniture and household items lying around that they don’t use. Chances are if you bring up in conversation that you are excited to be moving out on your own they will try and find a way to help. Whether its offering you some extra pots and pans they have in their garage or letting you borrow the old couch they store in the basement, people love giving things away! The less you have to buy, the more you SAVE! If you need to pick up some items, check out some of these Student Advantage discounts.

After you move…

Buy in Bulk- This is a great way to save, especially if you have several roommates. Have everyone chip in a few bucks to buy bulk toilet paper, paper towels, and any other items you all go through constantly.

Learn How to Cook- Food is usually what makes or breaks your living off campus budget. Look for sales on food. Try not to eat out. There are many simple recipes online that are easy to follow.

So I hope this information helps and good luck out on your own!