The news that Hilary Duff is joining “Gossip Girl” for a multi-episode arc next season has me super excited for the “Gossip” gang’s freshman year of college. Duff will play Olivia, a former child-star who enrolls at NYU and happens to get placed as Vanessa’s roommate. Her main purpose, however, is to serve as a love interest for Dan, who’s obviously got a thing for blonds. Duff makes her debut on the Oct. 5 episode.

Nate is also getting a new love in former “Privileged” star Joanna Garcia, who signed on to play Southern belle Bree Buckley for four episodes. Aside from Vanessa, Nate has yet to date a good girl, so I won’t be surprised if Bree has a mean streak. She’ll first appear on the season premiere on Sept. 14.