10 Things I Love About Being At Uni

Image thanks to nkzs

Unless you haven't started university yet this year, by now you will know what it's like to be at uni. There is so much to appreciate and you more than likely won't have this experience again so now is the time to make the most of things!

For those of you who haven't started yet, these are the things to be looking out for!

1. The parties. After spending a whole year at university you will realise that when you aren't doing assignments/working, you are out partying! There is literally a party most days of the week somewhere and so it is definitely worth taking advantage of as no doubt when you go home for the summer your social life will dampen.

2. Meeting new people. Starting university for the first time was scary and exciting at the same time. But then I realised, everyone else there was in the same boat. This made it really easy to meet new people and I have met some amazing people along the way. Don't pass up any chances where you might meet new people as maybe one day you might need them and it doesn't hurt to have more friends!

3. The chance of a better future afterwards. Although obviously we go to uni for the parties and drinking, once you've worked hard for your degree you have a much better chance of finding your dream job afterwards. That is why going to university is almost like an investment - for your future. It has been proven that unemployment is a lot higher for people who have no degree so don't squander your chance as there will be a job you are going to enjoy & get paid more for doing it at the end.

4. Learning something new. I found that whilst I was working before I started university I was getting good money, but I didn't feel challenged enough. Being at uni means that you will be learning lots of new things and will challenge your mind which can only be a good thing. You never know when you might use the things you are being taught (even if it is only in a pub quiz) so it is definitely worthwhile.

5. The discounts/free stuff. In the first week of uni last year I swear I had masses and masses of free vouchers and coupons shoved into my hand which I still haven't used. Being a student means you have less money and so we tend to get things for cheaper/at oap price or free which is amazing and I love it. Make the most of interest free overdrafts, cheap cinema tickets, free/discounted pizza, etc. and you will be well on your way to saving money.

6. The cheap drinks. Along with all the free stuff you get given as a student, definitely make the most of the cheap drinks during the week. Weekend prices tend to be double what you would pay as a student so get out there with your mates and get those budget beverages.

7. Being able to buy lots and lots of stationary. I always need an excuse for buying stationary as I am actually addicted to it. I just love having a clean diary and being organised, so being at university gave me the perfect excuse.

8. Field trips. This may not apply to all courses but definitely during mine (Geography) there was plenty of field trips including on to the seaside. Obviously it wasn't that fun as it was mid october and was freezing cold, wet and windy. But no doubt it gives you a chance to explore somewhere new whilst doing something you enjoy.

9. Pigging out when deadlines loom. Deadlines are the funnest part of university as it brings stress and stops you from going out. But I did enjoy being holed up at my computer desk sat with pizza, fizzy drinks and chocolate whilst I worked away - it was the perfect excuse. Even better, get your mates round and do work together. That way you get to have fun with your friends, pig out, and finish work!

10. All the spare time you could ever want. I think last year I spent around two and a half days at uni in autumn and 1 and a half days in spring. The spare time was great, it meant I could laze around all day if I wanted, without anyone caring. Just make sure you don't spend too much time being lazy as there is a reason why you have this time (for doing extra work/reading of course...).

Hope you enjoyed this, let me know what you favourite things are about university and why!

It's That Time Of Year Again Academically....

Image thanks to -Snugg-

Well I'm still feeling bad about neglecting my blog over the last few weeks but university has also been a pretty much permanent fixture in my mind and the fact it's not even very far away any more. It's coming up to the end of August, the time when we are all starting to think about university again after enjoying all this time off. We have to make decisions about which modules we want to take and how out timetable will look. We have to think about work and what this will mean in the second/third year. We will also be thinking about socialising and how important this is regardless of the fact we are at university! 


Thus, August/September can be a mind draining time  as I'm sure you'll agree. 


Well, that's why I decided to make a list of everything that needs to be thought about before starting the new/second/third year at university and why. Because not only will this help me organise my mind, it might help you too.

First up is moving into your new house/back into halls or commuting. By now you all would have thought about this and made a decision on which is best for you. If you are moving into halls or living in a shared house with friends, be careful what you pack. If some of you are on your second year now as I am, you know full well that what you packed last year was  mostly junk and had to buy mostly new things (or maybe not but that's what happened to me!). So remember to pack essentials and not stuff that is just going to clog up the car and make unpacking longer. 


Speak to your new house mates (if you're going to be in a house with mates), as there is no point buying 5 kettles/toasters etc. when you could all save money and put a little kitty together for all of these things. 


If you have decided to commute it, make sure your incomings and outgoings are all planned. The majority of people who decide to commute chose this option to save money as I did this year, but there's no point if it doesn't save you any money in the long run.  Remember to make a plan of all your outgoings and incomings for this as I went over last year in my money guide for university.

Next thing to think about is stationary. I admtted earlier that I am a bit of a stationary freak and absolutely love buying new stuff. Maybe you don't need any extra but it is worth going back and organising all your notes ready for the new year. Get some new folders, clips, paper, a new diary, etc. ready for the new academic year and you'll be well ahead! By doing this you are preparing yourself ready for getting back into study and will be ready for anything when you start.


Need some help? Why not have a look at:


Surviving College: Kick start your study habits
Every College Girl: Back to school: getting & staying organised

Now, I don't know about you but thinking through all of this sorta stuff does kind of depress me. It's knowing that just around the corner is more assignments, essays, project work even when you really don't feel like it. For some good advice, check out CollegeView's guide on beating back to school blues. Don't forget about your friends either. Maybe make time to meet up with all your old mates from last year and it might help you relax a little bit for the academic year. Also, you might not realise it now but further down the line, you may need your friends for some help on a certain bit or work, group work or anything like that so it does pay off to stay close to your friends regardless.

Money is going to be a big worry for all of us, especially when circumstances change from last year. If it's your first year, then check out my guide on money issues, but if not, then you probably know a bit on organising your money this time round. However, it still helps to plan things out, like when your grants and bursaries will hit your account, your pay days from work etc. make a note of every single one in your diary so you know exactly what is going on this year. When it comes to money it really doesn't help to be un-organised. I've found a few useful websites on organising your money which may be of use:


50 smart and easy ways to save money in college
Beyond the cafeteria: Find fun and educational jobs on campus
The balancing act of a part-time job and a full-time student
6 tips on what to look for in a college job

Remember to balance university/social and work life well. You don't want any of these to suffer but learning to balance these will help you no end. If you do find yourself falling behind, stop and think for a second. Figure out why it is you are falling behind and why. Maybe write it all down or brainstorm to plan your mind out and figure out ways to resolve these conflicts. If it means staying in one night rather than going out then so be it - there will always be plenty more nights out.

If like me you're in your second year, you may also be thinking about the future and what's next. The better prepared you are, the better start you will have - so thinking about it now will put you in good stead. Mostly, these are the three main choices after finishing university:


1. Further study
2. Full time work
3. Gap year


Each one has it's pro's and con's and if you aren't sure right now, write these down and think about them. Research your options on the internet, at your careers advice at uni, with friends and family, and so on. But remember - it doesn't matter if you have no idea what you want to do. You still have time to think and who knows, maybe you next modules will show you.

Finally, for a few more tips for uni, I have found an amazing list of over 100 tips for survival at college/university which is definitely worth looking at.


Good luck!

Craving Motivation?

Image thanks to vxdigital

Today I found myself feeling really bad about neglecting my blog and letting all of you who read it down and I want to make it up to all of you. Recently I've had no motivation at all and I thought, "why the hell am I acting like this?" And I hate making excuses as well! 


So this is my mid year resolution! I'm going to get back into my blog and not neglect it. Although I've been putting a lot of effort into my work experience and personal life, which are both really important to me, I miss being able to blog and express myself! So this is me telling myself (and everyone who is reading this) that I am going to get back into the swing of things and get back into the frame of mind.


Sometimes though getting motivated is a lot harder than it seems and don't I know it.


Generally, if there is something you hate doing, you're less likely to want to do it. And if you enjoy it then you're more likely to want to do it. Also, I find that the longer things are put off, the harder it is to get motivated. So sorting that letter out, getting out and getting a job, etc. is better not left till the very last minute. But how do you go about this? 


Figure out when you're in the best frame of mind to do that certain thing. For example, studying needs major motivation sometimes from me and I find that I'm more motivated in the evening and definitely not the morning. But you might find that evenings are the time when you feel relaxed and have no push at all and so mornings might be best for you. Once you've realised when the best time is, maybe make a timetable if it's something that requires regular attention. Put the timetable somewhere which you see every day, on your fridge, at your computer desk, even in the bathroom. Putting it somewhere like that will remind you every day what it is you are working towards or what it is that needs sorting. Have a think whether a timetable would suit the way you are however, as some people don't work will under rigid rules and will only make you want to rebel! 


Sometimes I find that writing your goals down helps so much more. I write my goals on my blog and find it helps sort my brain out and organise myself so why not try this? Give yourself a time limit too, and don't make the goals too far flung. Maybe even set alerts on your mobile or work calendar to remind yourself! If you want further info, have a read of this: Characteristics of effective gaols which has some helpful ideas to think about when setting yourself goals. 


Break your big goals into little, more manageable goals. Think about your big goals for example: Get A grades on my assignments, but this really doesn't help you achieving this. Think about how you are going to achieve this goal, for example: Create timetable to follow and get help with anything I don't understand. These seem less intimating and you are probably more likely to follow these.


Remember not to push yourself too far. Goals are a good thing but sometimes you really can over-do yourself by working too hard. When I started my first year at university I was struggling to balance work, personal and academic life and one of those was sacrificed, mostly academically as I found my grades weren't as good as hoped. This year however I've learnt from my mistakes and have started to plan ahead and will not be pushing myself like I was before. Always remember you need time to relax, go shopping, see friends etc. and planning ahead will help this.


Get help if you need it. The last thing you want to do is set yourself all these goals and feel like you are out of your depth. Getting help from family, friends, etc. really does work wonders - I know from personal experience. Speak to people, discuss your goals, even involve them in the things you're doing and it really will help. Not only does an extra person motivate you to keep going, but you will spur each other on and reach your goal quicker.


If friends or family aren't available, why not search the internet for like-minded forums and join in, especially if it's a long term goal like losing weight or exercising. My mum regularly uses forums for advice and information which she might not have got from me or friends. 


Need some further advice? Zen habits shows you how to get off your butt, or getting motivated when your down. Check out getting motivated with your to-do list using programs that may help you.


I hope this has helped you to motivate yourself, let me know your ways you get yourself motivated as I would love to hear them!

Preparing For Year Two at University

Image thanks to Stuck in Customs

Hi there!


I cannot believe it but this year has gone so quick! We are nearly at the end of July already which means there is only a few more months until we go back to university again. I personally have been thinking hard about the new academic year and what it is going to mean for me, as I'm sure you guys are too. 


So, thought I would put a bit of a guide together of all the things which have been going through my mind to help you along the way. I've also been doing so much research and asking different people what the second year is like and I thought this might be helpful to you too.


Passed or Failed?


First of all, you may have received your grades from last year. If you passed - well done and keep up the good work! If you failed however - do not despair. There are so many different options which you may not realise are available to you. As soon as you can, try and speak to your module leader and see what your options are. They will talk you through what it is you failed on and find ways of overcoming this, or even transferring onto a different course. What ever you decide to do though, do not think of it as a failure or a waste of time. You have gained experience from this and can only go forward!


Some of you might also be retaking some exams you either missed or didn't quite make the grade. Again, don't panic, make the most of this extra time to revise HARD. Make sure you get a good night's sleep, eat well and feel good whilst revising and before your exam. I will be writing an article on how to ace exams so watch out for this soon!


Work experience


If you think about it, there are way more people going to university than before and so you need to find something which sets you above all the other people who will be graduating in two years time. Now that your first year is over, you might be starting to think about your future and what you want to once you've finished. Also, your course may be offering a placement module (as mine is) and so you need to start thinking about whether you want to do this module and where you are going to do it. Visit your careers advice service at your university and find some work experience placements they might be advertising. They may also be able to point you in the direction of volunteer work or work experience conventions to get yourself involved in. 


Not only will gaining experience in your spare time look good on your CV, it demonstrates you can work on your own initiative and puts you above all the other people coming out of university with no experience. So use this spare time until you go back to university to take part in this and it will help you sooo much.


Preparing for study next year


The second year of university is generally going to be harder than the first. This is because (in the case of my course - Geography BSc) the first year covers lots of A-level information for people who have never done it before. The second year brings in new information which you may not know and in more detail and so you could find this harder.  To counter this, you need to study harder than you did in the first year and work to develop your skills further. For example time management and organisational skills are all very important to organise yourself. These skills are also very important after university so you need to be able to demonstrate you are proficient in this skills. 


Get yourself organised with new books for your modules and file your old notes away properly - you never know when you will need these! Try and get hold of module times and make a provisional timetable so you can organise your life around your new timetable. 


Research your options after university


As well as sorting yourself out academically,  you need to think carefully about your future too. So researching on the internet, going to the library and asking around for advice on travelling, studying abroad, working or just taking a year out will all help you decide what to do after university. Trust me, the earlier you figure what you are going to do, the better chance you have at succeeding by planning it now.


Decide where you are going to live/who to live with


By now you should have decided what you are going to do for accommodation for the next academic year but if you haven't definitely sort it out now. Think about how much your budget/loan will cover per month and the kind of place you want to live. Do you want to live with your parents still because it's cheap, but not close to uni? Or do you want to live with friends? Or how about living in private accommodation somewhere else? These are all things you need to consider.


Make sure your finances are organised before you get there


Budgeting is the key to living well at university. If you spent all your money on going out last year and none for everything else, learn from your mistakes and plan this year and STICK TO IT. If you need help, have a read of my article on money and how to cope with it and 16 Ingenious ways to save money.


So I hope you found this guide useful, if there's anything I've missed off people let me know or send me an email if you have any questions. I will try and help the best I can. I don't know about you but I am very very excited about going back now!

I Need Inspiration

Image thanks to dimitri_c

Have you ever read a really motivating quote or saying that someone you know or someone famous has said? I know I have, and some have really given me the push I needed to get out and do something. Whether it be going to the gym, cooking a really good healthy meal or even starting a diet. I thought, seeing as these quotes have made such an impact on me, maybe some one else might find them useful too. So, here are some really great quotes that you may find inspiring, motivating, or just generally happy with your life if you were feeling doubtful.

I hope you find these as useful as I did.

There is only one person who could ever make you happy, and that person is you.

David Burns, Intimate Connections

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.

Albert Einstein

The future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt

If you strive for happiness, you’ll never find it. Happiness is only found in the present.

Steve Pavlina

Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.

Evan Esar

It's not what you do once in a while, it's what you do day in and day out that makes the difference.

Jenny Craig

Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.

Langston Hughes

A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.

Chinese Proverb

Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.

Frank Clark

Obstacles are the things we see when we take our eyes off our goals.

Zig Ziglar

If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it.

Jonathan Winters

Keep your mind on the things you want and off the things you don't want.

Hannah Whitall Smith

If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come.

Chinese Proverb

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Ursula Le Guin

You can't be confident when you are willing to stay within your own comfort zone. Confidence is built by pushing way beyond what you think you can do.

Byron Pulsifer

Getting Used To a New City

Image thanks to Simon Howden

Hi all, hope everything is all good! So, I've been thinking a lot recently about when I first started going to university and how difficult I first found it. If you are a student, do you remember how you felt when you arrived at a new city ready to start your university life(does not include the people who studied at home hehe)? Do you remember how difficult or how easy it was now you were independent and didn't know anyone yet?


I can tell you that although I was a little nervous about being in a new town all on my own, I was also very, very excited. The reason for this was because no one knew me, I had no enemies and I felt I could be who I was without having to worry. 


The other kind of excitement was the fact I was going to university for the first time and this was completely new to me. It's like jumping into the thing you'd always dreamed of doing and I was so so excited. This kind of enhanced the thought of living in a new place which came with the university experience. 


So what do you do now you're here? One thing which I believe the best advice is be yourself. If maybe before you came to university you tried hard to be someone you weren't, just being yourself gives you a break and people will see you for who you are. Don't try to fit in. Also, first impressions do count and so try to create the best first impression you can. 


Talk to people. Don't be shy in your new town! At some point, a lot of people are the 'new kid' and I bet there are others in the same situation. By talking to people and swallowing your pride, you'll build up your confidence and meet some great people. It will also take the edge off feeling alone if you don't know many people yet. Taking risks can sometimes pay off and in the sense of throwing yourself into the deep end, definitely try it.


Now that you're all settled, why not explore your new town/city? Take a walk around your new place and the city centre and see what the place has to offer. I have to say this was the bit I most enjoyed. I got to see beautiful new architecture, go shopping in a new place and I took walks around the local park. You could also visit some art galleries or museums or get a cup of tea at a nice local cafe. There are many more things you could do, try it!


If there was something you always wanted to do but never got to do it at your old home, why not take it up now? For example take up evening classes, join the gym and take up new sports to meet more people, do some charity work, etc.


Remember to stay in touch with friends from back home though. The worst thing you could do is move to a new city and forget everyone from back home. It won't make them feel very good (unless you really do want to forget everything from home) and won't do you any good. You could even send letters to your old mates to keep in touch, I love receiving letters!


When I remember back, I felt so depressed the first week! But to be honest having these kind of feelings are completely normal and you probably won't just get these kind of feelings at the start either. It takes time to adjust to new things and so don't worry if you feel lonely, sad or depressed - they are to be expected from uprooting yourself from comfort. Remember, there is always light at the end of the tunnel and these feelings won't last. Just get yourself out there and get busy and enjoy it!


I hope you found this useful, let me know what your experiences were like when moving to a new place/starting university for the first time!

Skegness!

Well I got back from Skegness yesterday and for any of you who don't know what Skegness is like, picture: salty air, arcade machines, loud bass music, noisy modified cars going by every 5 minutes, fish and chips and cold weather. If you can picture this and like the thought of it, definitely go to Skegness! 


As soon as we got there I had to put on 4 layers which included a fleece and coat, and also leggings underneath my jeans - it was absoultely FREEZING! It said it was supposed to be 17 degrees but it felt more like 10 below this :( Here are some pictures I got along the way. Also, sorry about the poor quality, I can't find my camera and so had to take piccys with my 2 mp camera phone...

The Arcade along the main strip - open from at least 9am until very very late. It was huge and I swear some of the people in there had been sat on the same seats for hours. After collecting something like 450 tickets I got a cute pink picture frame and a Union Jack key ring! Awesome. Also, I wasn't supposed to be taking photos in here... Naughty me, never mind!

This is the beach front looking at the roller coaster at Pleasure Beach. Although the town bit is a bit boring after a while, the beach has a sort of traditional feel about it and it was nice to just sit here and look at the sea.

The beach! It actually looks really nice and was quite empty by the time we got there. It was absolutely freezing though. The little boy in the picture is James' little 5 year old nephew. The big clouds rained out at sea rather than on us which was a plus haha. You can also see the wind farm which is about 1/2 mile out at sea. They were actually quite fascinating to look at.

James on one of the Racing arcade machines. I refused to go on any of these but I had loads of fun on the 2p machines.

The view from the top of an open-top bus! Even though I was frozen sat on here, it was still really fun and you couldn't turn down this!

One of the huge roller coasters seen from the open-top bus near Ingoldmells. No one would go on them with me though... 

More of the rides at Ingoldmells, with Denise in the picture! You can also see a pyramid on the left, reminds me of Vegas - Skegvegas!

The clock tower at Skegness. Look how busy it is! Out hotel was a little further down from this bit and we spent a lot of the time around this area with donuts, rock and fish and chips. Yummy.

Billy Butlin at the railway station. By the time we were on our way back, both of us were so so tired and glad to be going home. You really do appreciate living in a city rather than near the beach, it's so much warmer back home!

The blue wind shelters on the beach in Skegness. They had a sort of rustic feel about them that takes you back some decades and made me think about what it was like in the 1930's and 40's.

Hope you had a good bank holiday weekend, roll on the next!

Bank Holiday Weekend!

Image thanks to Simon Howden

Hey guys! Although it's pretty miserable and gloomy today, my personalised necklace I got for my brithday from my lovely boyfriend has arrived! I'm off to collect it in a little while and will have some piccys to show later. But, we all know it's also bank holiday weekend! YAY! I am off to Skegness (East Midlands fav place to be during bank holidays and/or when the weather is nice haha) with some of James' family.

To me this equals:

The peer - fish and chips - 2p machines - bingo - lots of photos - salty hair and skin -bed & breakfasts - shopping - sand - swimming and bathing suits - family fun - sports - seagulls - the sound of waves - not so warm weather (as Britain generally goes) - rain - waterproofs - arcades - bucket and spade - flip flops -sunsets and sunrises - kites - frisbys!

And many many more, but this is what I've got to look forward to! Although the weather isn't going to be tropical, I'm still looking forward to travelling on the train with my boyfriend and being able to write to my hearts content!

So I hope everyone is making the most of this weekend if you do end up working and have a great one! Photos to follow when I get back!