Just my stream of consciousness

Yes, it is nearly summer holidays and you can all relax! Think again. You might be questioning why I'm choosing to talk about picking universities so early, but is it really that early? It is always better to be prepared. I remember the first day of my second year of college and everyone was running around talking about university applications . I thought I would make a little list which will help you decide on your university choices.

Available Courses | There are so many courses out there that you haven't even heard of. Depending on which subject you're doing, there are usually variations such as; with a year abroad, with industry experience, foundation year, etc. Look more into these and see if they will benefit you in the long run or if your grades aren't the best, taking a foundation year lowers the grades you need to get, it just takes longer to obtain a degree. For you guys wanting to do a masters possibly, now is the best time. A few universities offer a built in masters with your undergrad, which means less money to pay overall!

Grades | Yes. The dreaded grades. In this one instance, they mean a lot. However, don't feel down if you feel like you have low grades because you can do something about it! Clearing is a magical thing.

Campus | There are many types available but the main two types are: where the whole campus is in one place and where the campus is spread all over a wide area. Obviously when the campus is enclosed and everything is found in one spot, its pretty easy to feel like a community because you have a high chance of bumping into people and less chance of getting lost! Whereas if you go to a university where the campus buildings and accommodation is spread through a wide area, makes you more likely to become lost and a bit overwhelming, especially if you're not used to urban areas.

Location | This is completely up to you. Some people like to move quite far away from home, whilst others like to stay quite close. Another factor is whether the University is located in an urban area or a rural. Location is all about your personal preference!

Accommodation | There are a lot of accommodation and your budget may affect what you can rent. This is also completely up to your personal preference. Ensuite, shared bathrooms, on campus, off campus, boys only, girls only, single beds, double bed...do your research on each uni!

Hello! September is upon us..the month of the back to school stuff. So I am here to shed some of my experiences and things I learnt in my first year, which will hopefully help you guys. I know all too well of the stuff they don't tell you in college, that will happen in university, seeing as they tend to concentrate on pretty much only the academic side!



Social Life | Making friends at uni is no different to making friends in college or in any other work place. However, there are so many more ways to make friends..from; flatmates, people in your lectures, clubs, bars, night out and even through other people. The main thing is to not be afraid, everyone in their first year is pretty much in the same position as you, so try to make as many friends as you can. It is also helpful if you make some extra friends on your course, because then you can help each other out in regards to uni work! Don't be afraid.

Being Alone & Living on your own | Of course you have to live on your own at uni (with the exception of your flatmates of course), but sometimes it can get lonely and it is very different to living at home seeing as you are usually surrounded by family and you can go chill in your bedroom or the kitchen or the living room. At university you generally get your own room and a communal kitchen, and these are the two places where you will be spending most of your time.

Cooking | Can any of us actually cook? Well I recommend for you to bring some cook books if you can. Seeing as now you don't have your parents hounding you on how you're cooking everything wrong, ha! But, come on now, we all can't live off burgers/pizzas for a whole year. Also, you should plan your meals, or even make batches of meals in advance and freeze them. This way if you're busy with work, you don't have to worry about taking an hour or two out of the working schedule to cook. It is surprising how important preparing food, eating food and cleaning up is, plus it is quite time consuming.

Work/Work Experience & Internships | The workload in uni is quite different compared to college, as the years go on, the less and less they 'spoon feed' you, so it is helpful if you start taking the initiative in the first year. If and when you need help, remember to ask your lecturers because you are paying them £9000 a year! Especially if they are unhelpful in the actual lectures, however they should be more than willing to help. However on some occasions they can be quite mean and sarcastic but not all of them are like than. At the end of each academic year, there is generally a survey which you have to take to evaluate how you found the modules you have taken, so please remember to fill them in.

Sex | Yes, lets talk about sex. Even though some people may think going to uni implies that everyone sleeps around, it is very untrue. A lot of people at uni are even virgins, I know shock horror. So, do not feel pressured into anything and don't feel like you have to say or do anything that you don't want. Stay safe kids!

Fresher Flu | You may be exclaiming 'psh I am not going to get freshers flu!' Well you're wrong. Even if you plan to stay in your room for the whole of freshers, you are still likely to get it from your flatmates and friends and basically everyone! The way to avoid freshers flu is to not go to uni, ha Im joking. Freshers flu is usually the result of going out every night in the cold with no jacket, screaming/singing songs at the top of your lungs, not getting enough sleep, not eating properly, not getting your needed vitamins, being around new people etc. Just get enough sleep and your much needed vitamins, and hopefully if you do contract freshers flu, it will be gone in no time!

Toothbrush/Paste, Toothbrush holder, floss & Mouthwash | Obviously these items are essential and you definitely can't forget them. But, the main thing most people forget is a toothbrush holder (well I did anyway). Its much more convenient than storing it in a cup, and some are super small and cute!

Hand wash | Everyone needs to wash their hands after the bathroom!

Shower Gel/Cleanser | You may want to invest in an extra cleanser for your shower as getting out of the shower and grabbing your cleanser (wherever it may be in the bathroom) can be tedious. However, some people just always leave their cleanser in the shower, which I personally find a tad weird ._.

Shampoo & Conditioner | It can be extremely obvious, but often we tend to overlook the things we take for granted!

Bath Rug | This is extremely convenient just so you're not walking around with wet feet, however in some circumstances it is not really absolutely necessary.

Toilet Paper |  The same as the shampoo and conditioner..you can't be too careful can you?

Storage/Hooks | Some universities may not provide hooks or small showering shelf thing (ha!) in the bathroom. Self-adhesive hooks are easily available so you can hang towels, bath robes, jackets etc!

I am on the fence on whether I want my graduation to come sooner or not...on one hand I will be receiving my degree with my family around be and it will be quite a happy moment, on the other hand it means the end of education for me (unless I go on to do further study) and job hunting for my career...scary.

YES. TODAY MARKS THE END OF EXAMS (for me anyway). I am currently feeling confused? Whilst I'm browsing the internet looking at random stuff, I can't help but think agh I need to revise! But, I don't even have any exams left. Mixed bag of emotions here atm. Happy, sad, confused, lost etc. normal stuff. Anyway, I have realised some things from these recent exams that I thought I would share!

Be Prepared |Yes, it is a bit of an obvious statement, however many of us neglect this fact. Simply telling ourselves "hey I have more time, lying here doing absolutely nothing won't hurt" Don't do this to yourself! Have all your notes prepared, have a revision plan, don't delay it, revision is inevitable.

Water is much better than caffeine | This factor can vary from person to person. Some may thrive with the intake of caffeine, to others it will have no effect. I personally prefer water, because it keeps your hydrated and it will hopefully keep your mind focused on the task at hand.

Sleep is a necessity | I personally find it utterly pointless to study whilst being completely exhausted. Your eyes will hurt, you won't be able to concentrate, you will lack motivation to work due to being tired etc. I find it better to just sleep, or even just nap. Then when you're feeling refreshed and a little more awake, you can then revise more efficiently, as opposed to a half brain dead tired version of yourself.

Invest in plasters | I don't know how it is for you guys but writing notes and long essay questions in multiple exams can really take a toll on your hand. My writer bump becomes extremely prominent during exam times and for some reason, this year I have somehow also obtained a bump between my thumb and index finger crevice thing (whatever you wish to call it). Maybe I have started to hold my pen weirdly, but plasters have really helped me.

Stay calm | As much as you want to freek out, cry, tear your hair out, die in a corner, you need to calm down. There are many people in the same position as you so do not think you're alone in this. Please talk to someone if you're feeling extremely stressed, friends are there for a reason, they are there to listen to you stress out and you're there for them. Sometimes its nice to release some steam via your friends (not by shouting or violence ._.) 

Eat | I have realised that I consume not as much food as I usually do during exam season. This is mainly down to trying to dedicate and balance my time between work and keeping myself sane (sleeeeeep). But, food is a necessity (obviously), without it I'm pretty sure all you will be able to think about is when you can eat, when you should eat, what you should cook, etc. 

Sleeping Patterns | Due to my exams being scheduled after the easter break, it means I had a month of getting up late in the afternoon and eating at ridiculous times. I feel that I should have used that month to start to train myself to get up earlier and this would hopefully help me in exam season, allowing me to wake up earlier (more revision time). 

I may just start posting a little bit about my exams after I finish them. This second exam was a day after my previous exams, which is a tad annoying because then I get less revision done :(

To put it simply..it went horrible. Mainly it was my fault due to the lack of revision, and one question where the lecturer stated that these learning objectives would not be tested on in the exam, due to time constraints for teaching. But that didn't stop them did it? sigh.

The way my exams are structured is that it is composed of 2 sections. Section A and Section B, which are both equally weight 50/50. Within Section A there are short answer questions and a DAI (data analysis question). Section B consists of 3 different essay questions where we answer only 1.

I personally think the main panic lies in Section B, where there is a possibility that you may be completely ignorant to all questions (god forbid that happens to me in any of my next 5 exams).

Anyway, I could have done way better, but its too late now. No point worrying about whats in the past. Whats done is done.

On another note, the invigilator was adorable. He offered us tissues if we wanted to cry and apologised for the lack of vodka, as they are only allowed to hand out water!


-sinks back into the corner of the room clutching my revision notes- goodbye. good luck. :D

Well I just finished my first exam (1/8). Now I am pondering about going to revise for my exam for tomorrow or to rest for a bit. Don't you just hate it when exams are so close together? Especially at university seeing as they set their own exams/dates. It is understandable in high school (secondary school, whatever you wish to call it) or in college to have exams on consecutive days or even within a few hours of each other! Seeing as its beyond the schools control and it is up to the exam boards.

Anyway, Good luck to everyone out there currently undergoing exams! Remember, do not sacrifice your mental health just for a few marks. The more you relax (I know..its hard) the better you will feel...obviously. If you're feeling really hopeless just remember that there are people out there who will do worse than you and there are also plenty of people in the same position as you (the 'exam' tumblr tag is great if you want to procrastinate for 5 minutes). Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself, or breathe very heavily and quickly like me..everyone may stare but it feels great :P

Work, revision, lectures....it is inevitable as a university student to avoid any of these. Plus, summer exams are coming up which are always fun and exciting (!) Am I right or am I right?

In this post I will be sharing some tips to hopefully aid in your revision! These methods usually help me, especially when I am procrastinating like nobody's business. They will also help encourage you not with just revision but with everyday activities/chores which we all hate!



Designated work areas. By having a desk or a work area, you will associate that area with work, so you will feel more compelled to work. Also, by having this space, it means you are able to set all the work you need to do, so no excuses about setting everything up! Working in bed is the worse thing you can do, because our beds = sleep! And I don't think we need to be sleeping in this situation!

Relax. There is nothing worse than getting yourself so worked up and stressed that you can not even think straight. Extra stress will just make you not want to work, so you have to relax! Get a cup of tea and just relax for 15 minutes. Then you can work with a clear mind, which is far more efficient and much less frustrating!

Don't waste time making everything perfect and pretty! Yes, neat notes, colours and mind maps are very useful, but is it really necessary to be colouring it all in? Everything in moderation right?

Switch it up. Revising one certain topic can get extremely boring, and you may find that your mind starts to wander. So, have multiple topics to be revising! When you're 'bored' or have done a certain amount of work on one topic, move to the next, to keep things fresh and different. Personally for me, I feel that this keeps me much more focused!

Take Breaks. Everyone needs breaks, just for a few minutes! Do not go and have a break for 2 hours..because that will make you feel even more lazy and you will be less likely to work.

Reward yourself! Have a cookie, play a game, sleep! By having a reward, it will hopefully make you work harder and faster so you can reach your end goal and receive your reward sooner!

And..thats what I have been trying to do lately. Other people swear by repetition, writing your notes down repeatedly, saying it out loud, using multiple colours to write your notes etc. But, remember just because someone says that there is an optimal way to so revision, does not mean you have to do the same! Everyone is different and everyone learns in different ways and at different rates. If you start adopting someones methods who aren't the best for you, then why should you? (I am not very good at eloquently phrasing things am I? ha) Adapt the methods to your liking! It is all about you!

Anyway, sorry for all the writing and the hiatus...I will be back soon!

Mirror | Surprisingly, some unis do not provide you with a full length mirror (well...there is always the bathroom mirror). By maybe having a mirror, small or big, it can be quite convenient. Especially on a night out..how else are you going to conclude that your outfit is perfect?

Lamp/Lights | A bedside lamp will be handy for whenever you're in bed, as some unis do not provide a light source for above your bed! Plus, some of the lights at university are blindingly bright/yellow, so a small lamp would help greatly. Fairy lights are perfect as they are both practical and decorate your room subtly. It is not over the top and they come in a variety of different style. I currently have some lanterns on my notice board and I just absolutely love them, and definitely recommend them for any room.

Ornaments/Plants | This may seem a bit silly seeing as it is at uni, which is only temporary but, these small bits n' bobs look adorable (you do not have to have a giant statue in the corner of your room). Some universities even have little stalls at the start of term selling posters and plants just to decorate your room! Also, a cactus may or may not absorb computer radiation..doesn't hurt to try does it? Plus, they are low maintenance, so no need to worry about watering them.

Pictures | A definite must are pictures of your friends and family. Whether it be in a photo frame on your window sill and bedside table or little polaroids hung on a string, both are cute and easy! It may also help you feel less homesick!

Curtains | Now buying curtains for your room may seem a bit unnecessary but if you are a light sleeper, you will definitely get awoken by the sun which passes through university curtains (whats the point of having curtains when they barely work?) Anyway, thicker curtains never hurt anyone. However if you don't really want to buy curtains, sticking posters on your windows will also help block light..even though you can't see outside your window. You win some, you lose some hey?

Boxes | Yes. Boxes can be used as decoration. Maybe you can pile your printer on your boxes of there isn't enough room on your desk, or they can serve as extra storage seeing as some universities lack in storage spaces in student rooms. Utilise everything!

Rug | Carpets are pretty horrible and cheap, so its either slippers or a rug..I say get both.

Candles | Pretty much every single uni accommodation bans the use of candles, but what they don't know, won't hurt them right? But, you may want to invest in an air freshener and I personally do not recommend the sprays as they barely work. A plug-in one is much more effective and lasts much longer. Ambi pur - White Petals = <3

Cushions/Extra Pillows | More than likely you will have a single bed, although some unis claim their beds to be either bigger or longer than the average. So its best to have a few extra pillows and cushions, especially if you're expecting visitors.

Glasses/Cups/Mugs |Cups and mugs are a must seeing as you're going to be drinking a lot of tea and coffee! Also having a travel cup is useful for lectures you plan on going to at 9am. Glasses are also a must seeing as you will also be drinking a lot of alcohol...or water.
Plates & Bowls | You need these to eat on! It is also important to buy more than just one plate and bowl just incase some go missing (plus you can store spares in your room).

Cutlery | Forks, knives, table spoons, teaspoons are all a must! Buy in excess because it is better having more than none at all. Ikea sell cutlery for super cheap but you get a lot in return!

Pots & Pans | My parents and myself were in the mind set that seeing as I would only be cooking for myself, I would not need big/medium pans, and that small pots and pans would suffice. I was wrong, is pretty ridiculous buying a tiny frying pan because you're not going to be able to cook much apart from half an egg!  You should try to get regular sized pots and pans because its quite easy to cook way more than you intended and if you do, you can freeze that food for the future! Being a student is hard...

Kitchen accessorises | These include; Oven mitts, baking trays, spatulas, wooden spoons, colander, chopping board & kitchen towels. Funnily enough, you can disregard these items prettily easily, however, they are essential..even if you are just cooking chicken nuggets.


Salt & Pepper | Not just salt and pepper. Maybe some spices, stock cubes, sugar? At least pretend you're going to be cooking so your parents aren't bothering you about you eating nothing. (sigh)

Toaster & Kettle | Usually university kitchens come with these but some don't. (a kettle is usually definitely provided) So it is a good idea to have these, also if you're moving some to an area which typically uses soft water to an area which uses hard water, you may want to get your own kettle because limescale is a bitch.

Washing up liquid | Don't forget your gloves and sponges! (stuff like this will get stolen/used up so quickly!)

Cooking Oil | As before...at least pretend you're going to try to cook yourself some nutritious meals?

Laundry Basket | Yes. You will be doing laundry. Yes. You may shrink half of your wardrobe. But, by having a laundry basket (I'm not implying that it will help unshrink your jumpers ha) you will have a much cleaner room, seeing as you aren't throwing your dirty clothes all over your floor, plus it is much easier to transport to the laundry room.

Clothes Rack/Storage boxes | Depending on your bedroom size, you may want to consider some extra storage as some universities do not offer sufficient storage space. They can also be used as decoration if you obtain super cute boxes. By being in possession of a clothes rack you can hang clothes which required to be hung and you also have more space, therefore more clothes!

Bedding | Majority of universities do not provide; duvets, pillows, duvet covers, pillow covers, pillow protectors, mattress protector (a must!) So you must bring these. The beds at university generally are single, however, I personally have a double duvet with a single bed and it's SO comfy.

Books & Bookends | Every good student needs their core module books as well as other books to occupy you during stressful times. Surprisingly, I found out that personally, during university you obtain a lot of free time (after you acknowledge: lectures, practicals, socials, coursework etc.) usually between lectures, where you can read a nice book. Bookends are also awesome to have, as they keep books up on your shelf rather than all over your desk and floor...no one likes to be awoken at 3am by books falling over. Its pretty terrifying.

Rug | This is completely optional, but university carpets tend to be pretty horrible, so having a big rug to cover it up it always good and it adds subtle decoration to your room, this will make your room much more homely and less foreign.

Hangers | Need I say more? Last time I forgot hangers and I ended up chucking my coats EVERYWHERE.

Mirror | Some but not all universities provide a mirror within the actual bedroom (In an ensuite room there is usually a mirror), so a mirror could be handy for; taking pictures, seeing if you look presentable for a lecture, seeing if you look presentable for a night out etc. Plus, it would be a big shock going from having big mirrors at home, to small mirrors at uni

Slippers/Robe | As a consequence of living in university accommodation, you have the inevitable fire alarm, so it is extremely convenient to have a robe that you can cover yourself up with, especially if the fire alarm goes off at 3am and you're in your jammies. Slippers are also nice to have because I really doubt you will want to be walking barefoot into the kitchen.

Towels | Not just body towels...but, hand towels, face towels, hair towels..
Tissues | You will get ill and you will need tissues. Having a bedside box of tissues will save you a few trips to the bathroom to get toilet roll.

This post may be a little out of place seeing as the majority of people have already finished their first term in uni, so all of these decorating/making your room feel more cosy may be a bit useless! But, alas, to the people out there who leave things to the last minute...I feel you and I am here to help :)