What university taught me

3 years of hard work, late nights, breakdowns, midnight snacking, midday drinking and deadlines. Remind you of anything? Yep, I've finally completed uni!

University has been the biggest challenge of my life so far, but the most fun and exciting three years I could have ever imagined. Studying journalism was the first challenge that I was faced with and like every university student, I questioned whether it was the right thing for me. Which, of course it was. I've learnt so much about the industry and found my love for writing, tried new things like working in PR and created my blog, which I now use as my escape and enjoy writing so much.

"I should be proud of what I achieve."

University taught me to give everything a go. On a course that is so practical, there is no other option other than to just get out there and do it. Interviewing people in the street, phoning people regarding a story, presenting on the TV and being an editor of a newsroom are just some of the tasks I've been faced with, but that's where I've learnt most. My confidence has improved so much and I now struggle less with meeting new people, am more confident in interviews and making initial conversation.

It also taught me that it's ok to be average. I used to hate the idea of failing, especially when it comes to exams and assignments but being at university made me realise that as long as I put 110% into everything, I should be proud of what I achieve. Journalism is a difficult course to achieve 1st's on every assignment and that's okay. Some of the work has been extremely difficult and left me having breakdown after breakdown but at the end of the day, I know that I've worked my butt off on every single assignment, which is something I should be proud of.

Saving money is easier than you think. These last three years, I've managed to save so much money which I am very proud of. Yes, I live at home. No, I don't care. I have been just as independent at home as I would have been living at university; I manage my time, cook my own food, wash all my clothes and save a ton of money while I'm at it. I managed to save enough money to buy a new car while I was studying, as well as saved enough to help me put a deposit on a house sooner than I would have before. Oh, and I've been on some amazing holidays, to festivals, had lots of nights out and bought a lot more takeout food than I'd be happy to admit to.

"I wouldn't have had it any other way."

University has made me realise what I really want. Journalism has been an amazing course and I'm so glad I chose to study it, especially at the University of Gloucestershire. However, by living at home, I managed to get two months work experience at a local first school, where I realised that teaching is what I want to do. Through the help of my lecturers, family and friends, I decided to apply for a number of postgraduate PGCE courses, and from this September, I will be taking the next step in a career that I know I'll be so happy with.

Uni has been amazing. I've made friends for life, thrown myself in to the course, enjoyed weeks of journalism work experience and finally realised what it is I want to do. Yes, I decided to live at home during my three years and no, I'm not necessarily focusing my career on the subject I have studied but for me, I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Why it's ok to dream big

Image from Pexels

Do you sometimes question why you have ambitions and goals? I know I do. The idea that wanting to be proud of having a good job and stable income is something that is seen as a taboo subject - it's not moral, it's materialistic.

We are often told that money doesn't buy happiness, something that I completely agree with. Health, family, education and memories are the most important things to me and I wouldn't swap any of those for all of the money in the world.

But why can't I aim to have more? I'm aiming high and working seriously hard in order to get the grades I need to follow the career that I've always dreamed of. I see nothing wrong with that. I have a clear idea of where I want to be in 2, 5 and 10 years and for me, that's how I motivate myself. I would like to buy a house, travel to countries I've never been to, become a primary school teacher and be able to treat myself every so often.

There's just one problem - I don't like to talk about it because people think I'm being materialistic.

If you know me, you'll know that I'm the first person in my family to go to university and I've worked since I was 16, saving every bit of disposable income I have to be able to support myself through university and hopefully, in the future. The stigma of materialism needs to change. I don't buy designer pieces, get money from my parents or waste money on extravagant purchases and I enjoy saving for my future, something I am very lucky to be able to do.

"Working hard is the key."

Having goals is what motivates me to work hard, have a good career plan and save money. Money is the motivator - there, I said it. Older generations seem to believe that we are handed things on a plate; jobs, university places, houses, money, but it's really not the case.

Ambitions and realistic goals are positive and allow you to be able to pace yourself, in order to reach where you want to be with organisation and dedication. Working hard is the key and if that means sleepness nights, 4am alarms and closing myself away from the world for a little while, that's what it's going to be. If I didn't have plans for the future, I may treat money a little differently but at the moment, the future is my priority.

"It is what it is."

Delve into your ambitions, believe in yourself and as Anthony Joshua said in his recent victory speech: "I'm a little bit emotional, because I know I've got doubters that think that I can't do this and do that, but I dig deep. It is what it is."

‪It Was All A Dream #TBT ‬

A post shared by Anthony Joshua (@anthony_joshua) on May 4, 2017 at 9:03am PDT

My top tips on saving

If you know me, you'll know I'm a pretty good money saver. Whether it's trying to grab a bargain in the sales, selective buying or just storing my money for a rainy day - I'm pretty good at it.

As I get so many people asking me for tips, this post will hopefully help some of you who are looking at saving your money as well, even if it does give away my secrets of saving!

1. Promotional codes and student discount

I am a sucker for a good promotional code. I am that obsessed with them that when I buy anything online, I won't 'proceed to checkout' unless I have found a bargain. Whether it be 25% off student discount, free delivery or £5 off, it all makes a massive difference. Especially if it arrives and you find that it doesn't fit or isn't what you thought it was going to be.

2. Try to be organised

If you know you have something coming up, try to plan what you're going to buy in advance. If it's someone's birthday, you may find that what you want to buy them goes on offer or hits the sale, saving you money. For Christmas, I start as early as I can. Wanting to spoil family and friends and thinking of presents is difficult, so if you see something appropriate, even in September, buy it. It's always so typical that whenever you buy last minute, you can't find anything!

3. Shop the sales

Buy summer essentials in the autumn and winter favourites in the spring. Obviously, some things are only on-trend occasionally and you may find that impulse buying leaves you finding better, more on trend stuff the following year. However, coats, simple knits, denim shorts, bikinis and jeans will never go out of trend. Buying them in the sale will just save you money for when they come around again the following year!

4. Don't be afraid to splurge

I always fall in love with pricey pieces, even when it comes to looking for a new car or dreaming of future holidays. But it's all about compromising. Don't eat out as much, ask yourself if you really need so many underwear sets and put away some money each month. It's really not that difficult. Shopping sprees are a lot more fun when you've saved up money for them, rather than delving into your student overdraft.

5. Do you really need it?

Sometimes, you see an item you love and spend weeks longing for payday. But, even if you're not going to buy it there and then, try it on. It might not fit properly, be suitable or just not go with any other clothes you own! Or wait a week or two without impulse buying, you might not like it when you see it again...

My Christmas wish list

It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas and nothing says Christmas more than a few presents under the tree! Although the festive season is all about spending time with friends+family and eating and drinking too much, it's a wonderful feeling to exchange presents and cards with those who mean the most to us.

I started my Christmas shopping pretty early this year and already have a few people sorted (although I'm sure I'll buy way too much in New York for everyone as well).. But I can't help but find things I'd love to buy for myself!

Here's my Christmas wish-list:

1. Loafers - Kurt Geiger

2. Sweater - Topshop

3. Ring - Pandora

4. Bag - Net a Porter

5. Chelsea Boots - Kurt Geiger