A new chapter: Lectures and exams

Hi again! This is my second of a series of posts I am going to be making about university life and I thought It would be a good idea to share some tips on lectures and exams, as after all you are at university to study! 

As a fresher I was oblivious to what lectures, tutorials and seminars were, and what I could expect from the academic staff within my department. Of course each of these may differ from university to university, but on a broad scale they should all be fairly similar. 

Each course is made up of 120 credits, in which each module can be 10, 20, 30 or 40 credits (mainly 10 or 20 in first year). Depending on your course you may have all 120 credits taken up by compulsory modules. However, many courses allow you to chose some optional modules. These may be directly related to your course, or you could even chose a random module within another department such as a language. This is a great way to broaden your knowledge and meet lots of new people. Although, as I learnt choosing an Agriculture module in which I knew nothing about the topic was interesting but also very challenging when it came to examination. But I suppose its good to be challenged and learn about new things ay!

Most courses will run mainly by lectures, which can range from 25 people to maybe 400 people depending on your course/topic area. Dependent on size they can take place in large lecture halls, to small classroom like rooms, which make you feel a little more like your back at school. Especially throughout first year you can expect to share lectures with many courses under your department, which means that they are generally taught to a broader topic rather than just your subject area. As a Food Marketing and Business Economics student I shared lectures with Consumer Behaviour and Marketing, Food Science & nutrition, Agricultural business management, Psychology, Animal Science and International Development students. This provides some great benefits not only because you get to mix with more than just your course, but you get to learn about other areas that you may have never even thought about. 

Some modules may also involve tutorials or seminars which are generally made up of a smaller group of people, and involve a more practical element. This could be practice questions/problems, advice services or group discussions/debates. 

Personally I haven't had much experience of the latter due to the nature of my course however, I expect I will have more of these as I progress through my degree. 

Tutorials and seminars are a great way to get to know people on your course, or similar courses, due to the smaller number of people. Lets face it your not going to know everyone in your 200 capacity lecture!

Although you are part of a specific department this may not mean that your lectures, tutorials or seminars will always be within this building. Most of the time I found I was in every other building apart from my departments, it just depends on timetabling and lecture sizes. 

Of course within education you are always going to be tested to see how well you understand the content of your lectures, which could take the form of assignments, class tests, presentations, spot tests, end of year exams or simulation exercises. This totally depends on the lecturer and what they think is the best way to test your knowledge. Don't be fooled by thinking Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) tests are easier though, many of my friends and I learnt this the hard way, as they can defiantly be much harder than first thought.

The biggest difference I found when starting university is having to do everything on my own. You defiantly get thrown in the deep end. Obviously you have personal tutors, and academic advisers to help you when your stuck, but you are expected to just get on with it really. I found it quite hard at the beginning to get a hang of the level of writing that was expected and the idea of coming up with  my own essay/research titles. In addition, to these the mass of research that goes into every assignment shocked me, and really taught me a lesson in how to skim read instead of reading every little detail. 

I also learnt that you do not have to do absolutely everything on the reading lists you are given. I tried this out in the first few weeks and oh my was it exhausting! You have to remember that not everything is relevant, and you need to pick and chose what to read depending on what you are interested in. After all writing about something your not interested in within assignments may not come across well. 
Referencing is another area in which I hadn't had much practice in before going to university, and I don' think anyone ever truly learns how to to it properly! My personal tutor recommended an internet browser software called Mendeley which is defiantly worth the download. It saves so much time and ensures that you format your references properly. 

Within my last term I definitely learnt that the library is an amazing place to go study...better late than never! 

Personally, I found that I got so much more work done there than within my halls where there were constant distractions. However, choose the people you go with wisely, some may be more focused than others. 

I hope this advice was of some help, and explains a few things about university that may be quite new to many school students. Thanks for reading!  

A new chapter: Preparing for University & settling in

This time last year I was absolutely petrified to leave my home town in South East London and move away from all my family. I can remember frantically searching the web weeks before moving to find tips on how to settle into university, and any other kind of advice that was available to ease my anxiety. It's for these reasons I thought I'd write a few posts (a series if you will) of advice, and information that might help anyone that is a bit nervous like I was. 

The lead up to move in day is the most nerve wracking experience I've ever been through. Making sure you've bought everything you need and have sorted out your halls of residence/private accommodation and funding is extremely stressful, especially if you are like me and know nothing about these sorts of things. However, I found it helpful finding check lists online of the necessities when moving in, just as a peace of mind. 

Below I've put together a list of what I think most students would need but obviously this will differ from person to person!

Once you're all packed up and ready to go it's time to make that dreaded car or train journey to your new home....but it doesn't have to be as scary as it may seem. Taking some of your favourite music to play along the way will help calm the nerves and make the journey maybe a little more familiar that it is. 

One thing I would say is set off early because many universities will have the same move in weekend so the roads are bound to be pretty busy, it took us four hours on my first day rather than the one and a half journey it should be! 

When you arrive at your halls you'll be greeted by a team of second years who will direct you where to go, and help carry some of your stuff to your room. They're most likely be happy to help and give you any advice you may need. You'll also be given a lot of written information when you collect your keys on the halls, university and the talks that you will need to attend during welcome week. Keep these in a safe place! 

Now for the scary part! 

At the end of the day your parents/friends/guardians will have to leave you to settle in. Trust me this may seem terrifying but I'll give you a few tips to make it a little easier. 

One of the first things you should unpack is your door stop because by having your door open your more likely to make friends and seem approachable while moving in than by keeping it shut. Remember you don't need to unpack all at once, maybe take some time on the first day to go and have a chat and introduce yourself to your new flatmates....they're not as scary as you think, trust me! 

One of my flatmates went round to all our rooms when moving in and introduced himself and had a little chat, which was so nice and made us all feel a little more at ease and comfortable. Even going to sit in the kitchen and have a cup of tea may spark a conversation, you never know if you don't try. 

Welcome week will be filled with many a talks including fire safety, introductions to the chancellor of the university and the students union, and also support services available. Although, these may be boring its a good idea to attend these with your flatmates just so you get a feel for the university. 

However, it isn't all serious. Welcome week or Freshers week as it's better known as is a time to have fun. This may be going to the society fairs and signing up to fun activities, or going on all the nights out before lectures start. It's really for just meeting as many new people as possible and breaking the ice. Embrace it if you can. 

Staying in your room may seem safe but in the long run this most likely wont help you settle in. By putting yourself out there and going to all these activities you may not notice the transition from home life to university life so much, and you'll settle in in no time at all. I remember it felt a little like a holiday at first, as if we were only going to be there two weeks. But when lectures start and you get into the swing of uni life you're sure to have a great time.

The most important message when first starting out is to remember that you can go home at any time, you don't have to stay at university seven days a week, and home is only a phone call away. Just do things at your own pace, and take the time to take it all in and embrace the  new chapter your about to embark on. 

Trust me you're going to have an amazing time, and make so many memories that you'll be so glad you pushed yourself to go.  

I hope this information has been of some help, and maybe eases the nerves. 

Thank you for reading!! 

An open letter.....

As September is quickly approaching I thought I'd take the opportunity to look back at all that I've learnt this past year and write an open letter of advice to past me or any new freshers who are just about to start university. 

Many of you may be nervously awaiting results day, as was I this time last year and as I look back to that time not so long ago I can breathe a breath of fresh air knowing that all was ok. Everything will be OK! 

I was ecstatic to find out that I'd gotten into my first choice university, with grades which were more than I ever expected....even though I did have a full day of work to follow. 

But of course some of my friends maybe weren't so happy with their results, but a year on I can honestly say they are all doing so well whether they got into a university through clearing, found a job or apprenticeship or are taking a year to decide what step they want to take next. All options are great, and don't let anyone tell you which way is better to go because it totally depends on the person. There are so many options out there to discover all with their own pros and cons.

However, for me I'm glad I took the route to University. 

Although the wait to start is extremely nerve wracking it is comforting to remember that every student just starting out are feeling EXACTLY the same way...even if they don't show it. For many this is the first time they will be spending an extended period away from home and from their family, which can be quite distressing for some. However, its good to view this change of scene as a new opportunity to develop. Develop your knowledge, social skills, friendship group, patience, and even your dance skills on nights out (haha only joking). 

But in all seriousness this, right now is an amazing opportunity that not all get to experience so my first word of advice would be to take it all in, take a minute within all the craziness and soak it all in. It won't last forever!

There is no time like freshers week, or even the next three or four years to make as many new friends as possible, push yourself outside your comfort zone and just put yourself out there. This could be sitting next to someone you don't know and sparking up conversation in a lecture/tutorial, or joining as many societies as possible. These are all great ways to broaden your friendship group and learn about all these cool, new people who may have an extremely different lifestyle to you. Just be prepared to tell people where you're from, your name and what course you do about a million times in this period! 

Much of your first year experience (if your living in halls) is defiantly based on the random selection of people you are placed with in halls. Now I've seen it go both ways however, I was extremely lucky to be placed with a group that got on so well...we even cooked and shopped as an eight! However, this doesn't have to be the be all and end all if you don't end up getting on with this bunch of people. 

One thing that needs to be remembered is to respect other people and be aware of their way of living as well as your own. This includes not leaving your old washing up all over the kitchen, stealing peoples milk (this causes so much debate!) or making too much noise in the early hours of the morning. It just makes life so much easier if you can just have a joke and a laugh with your flatmates instead of annoying the hell out of each other. 

Although, you may end up with a pushover like me who ends up washing other peoples stuff up and cleaning the kitchen because they don't want to bother anyone....don't be that person, it gets tiring after a while (haha). It's made me realise what a mothering person I am considering the amount of cooking, cleaning and washing I did this past year, which I never thought I was!

As someone who was very shy and didn't really enjoy the clubbing scene (wow that's changed!) there are so many other ways to meet people and have fun. With the huge array of sport societies and other clubs you are sure to find something that sparks an interest, or even getting a job on campus may open up a great new friendship group, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to keep in touch with your friends at home, because after all university doesn't last forever, and it would be a shame to cut ties with the group you've been friends with for years. I even found that I was able to have more fun with my friends at home after being at university for just one term!

I suppose the main message I'm trying to get across is to take chances. That could be taking a module you know nothing about, or joining a sports club you've never done, just small steps could help so much with confidence. 

As I eagerly await summer to end so I can get back to the uni way of life I look back on my first year with so so many amazing memories that I will never forget, wishing I could do it all over again. However, the next chapter of my uni story is calling, and I cannot wait to get back to all my friends and make even more memories this coming year. 

One of our many silly squad photos :D So much love for this bunch!

Confessions of a shopaholic!

Like many people I do love a good ol' shopping trip, especially in the summer when there are so many cute outfits, as well as holiday planning to do.

I thought I would share some of my favourite items in the shops at the moment. 

(Excuse the wet hair and awkward mirror photo pose) 

Boohoo mini skirts
Liana Palm Print Mini Skirt ~ £6, Ariah Neon Crepe Mini Skirt~ £5, Dena Dogstooth Bodycon Mini Skirt~ £6 

As someone who virtually lives in high waited jeans I thought it was about time I invested in some skirts, and what better time to do it than during the summer....even if the British weather is a bit unpredictable. Although, I didn't pick the most colourful of skirts its a step in the right direction. The red, grey and black palm print skirt is definitely my favourite, and adds a pop of colour to any outfit.  I also bought a plain burgundy skirt in the same style to add another colour to my wardrobe! 

Daisy Embroidered Stripe Tee by Tee and Cake~ £22

I am a huge fan of Topshop's 'Tee and cake' range, consisting of many t-shirts with fun logos or text. I couldn't resist this stripey 'loves me, loves me not' cropped top which looks great paired with black high waisted jeans.  

Rimmel London Rita Ora nail varnish~ 498 'Rain Rain Go Away £3.99'

I've never been a one for bold nail colours so when I spotted this grey/lilac coloured nail varnish by Rimmel I quickly fell in love. This simple but pretty colour will bring elegance to any outfit, and in my eyes is perfect for all year round. It also goes amazingly with my topaz Pandora ring, which is always a bonus! 

Eat Pray Love 

 After purchasing the film adaptation of 'Eat, pray, love' a couple of years ago I have wanted to get my hands on a copy of the book, and although, I am only a few chapters in I am already loving it! As always, the book is even better than the film, and what better way to spend summer evening than with a great book and a nice cup of tea or a cocktail.

Primark Blue denim pinafore~ £12 

I have been looking for a denim pinafore for a while now after falling in love with my MOTO burgundy corduroy one from Topshop. Finally, after a quick browse in Primark I found one that fits my tall physique. This also goes really well with the stripy top from Topshop, and is perfect for days out or dressed up in the evening. This also goes great with an oversized shirt thrown over the top for those cooler evenings.

My final summer buy is the JBL Flip Three Bluetooth speaker. I previously owned the flip two but unfortunately it broke, probably due to my excessive use of it all day every day!
Although, these speakers are relatively compact the sound that they produce is of great quality and volume, which is perfect for me to use while studying, as well as other social uses. Their battery life is around five hours, which is pretty good for such a small device, and they charge up fairly quickly too. 

Thanks for reading, I hope you liked my mini summer haul!

The Neverland!

"So come with me where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in never never land!" 

Once again my favourite time of year has come around and gone ever so quickly. Every year since 2006 LeeFest has invited local and up and coming bands to play a small festival in Kent. However, what makes this little festival oh so special is that it was created by my neighbour Lee, in his garden when his parents went away for a weekend and told him not to have any house parties. 
So what better idea than to throw a mini festival in your garden. 

I still remember looking over my back fence seeing the amazing atmosphere Lee had created. Ten years and three venues later LeeFest was transformed into The Neverland, which was so fitting with a festival that seems timeless. 

Now this was my third time attending LeeFest after one of my older brothers has been going ever since it started. My first official experience of this little festival was in 2012 where to my delight Bastille played when they were first starting out along with Mystery Jets, Man like me and To Kill A King. I did in fact manage to get a picture with Dan Smith (the lead singer of Bastille) however, to my annoyance my eyes are closed in the picture! But being able to now say I am seeing them play the O2 in November after falling in love with them in 2012 is a dream come true. 

Although I did not attend in 2013 LeeFest was the host to some amazing acts such as London Grammar, Clean Bandit. With The Cribs, Frightened Rabbit, Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobious Pip, Mo, Years and Years, and Jack Garratt playing in 2014 when I finally dragged along many of my friends to this festival I could not stop raving about. 
And Oh boy have some of these act become huge stars in the years following their LeeFest performances. 

Frightened Rabbit 2014

MO 2014

This year LeeFest took their game to a whole new scale, with doubling the size of the venue and creating a whole new theme they really had their work cut out. But, their hard work and dedication really paid off and I can defiantly say this was the best LeeFest yet. I really enjoyed spending the weekend with all my friends and just having such a laugh partying the night away in all the wonderful realms they had created. 
Beach parties in Mermaids Lagoon, raving in Skull Ridge and never growing old in the Neverwoods, there were endless opportunities for fun. 
Among these sets some amazing acts performed including Everything Everything, Circa Waves, DJ Luck and MC Neat, Shura, Corey Fox-Fardell, Nimmo and the beautifully angelic Lianne La Havas. 
I cannot wait to watch these artists develop into well known acts, as they truly deserve it.

The Neverwoods main arena

Circa Waves

Everything Everything

Lianne La Havas

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed hearing about LeeFest and maybe you might give it a go one year, or another small festival!