(U-WIRE) WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- As college students, we tend to neglect the principles of personal hygiene once in a while, and who can blame us?

When you're up all night frying your brains, the last thing you care about is your personal appearance. That's okay.

However, there are times when your stress level is much lower, and those tufts of hair sticking a full centimeter out of your nostrils or those bitten stumps you call fingernails need to be addressed.

Let's start with the very basics and work toward more complicated issues:

Bathing: Please do it. Now. Wash yourself at least every day or every other day. Not only will you be much more pleasant company to others, you lower the chance that you will contract nasty fungal infections in very inconvenient places. Need I say more?

Deodorant: Please use antiperspirant. If you wear cologne, use an unscented brand to avoid murdering your expensive and complex fragrance with the ever-so-subtle Icy Avalanche or Fresh Blast.

Teeth: Taking care of your teeth and gums gives people the opportunity to stand within two feet of your breathing range, and it can save you money on dentist bills. Brush at least twice a day using a whitening and anti-cavity toothpaste.

Also, floss! I cannot stress this enough. The quality of your breath will increase drastically. Finally, rinse with a good mouthwash to kill all those nasty bacteria in there.

Nose Hair: Personally, when I engage someone in conversation who has a nose hair problem, I can't help but stare.

I find it rather unsettling when someone has a bush growing from their nostrils.

Tame the beast. Scissors can be dangerous things to poke up there, so purchase a nose hair trimmer from your nearest drug store and use it when those tendrils start a-creeping.

The same device can be used to trim unsightly hair in the ears, too. Just be sure to wash it before you switch from one location to the next.

Acne: If it's really bad, see a dermatologist. In fact, if you have acne at all, you should consult your doctor before beginning any form of treatment.

That being said, my personal battle with the bumps has taught me a great deal about how to prevent them.

As such, I have three pieces of advice for you. First, don't pick them! You'll irritate your skin even further and cause more extensive scarring.

Second, scrub your face twice a day with an exfoliating face wash that contains neither oil nor fragrances.

Thirdly, if you are not currently taking medication for acne, I recommend applying both a topical antibiotic in the morning and a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion at night.

Fingernails: Hands tell stories about their owners. Make a good impression!

If you bite your nails to the bone, please stop. Allow them to grow back out again so that they cover your fingertips. Trim them in a crescent shape at least once a week with a pair of fingernail clippers (not gargantuan toenail clippers.)

If you have a problem with hangnails, apply lotion or cuticle oil to your hands. Finally, for a real treat -- regardless of your gender -- get a manicure sometime. If nothing else, you'll get a nice, soothing hand massage.

Eyebrows: Sadly, many people are genetically cursed with the dreaded unibrow. Even worse, many of these people opt to maintain it. It just doesn't look good. Get rid of it.

Until you can afford laser hair removal, a good, sturdy pair of tweezers is the only option for landscaping your brow. Whatever you do, don't shave anything. Happy Harvest!