A fresh start

I've been spending a lot of time reflecting recently and although I'm not one to usually regret anything or want to change anything about myself, there's been some situations and set-backs that have really got me thinking about what it is I want.

I want to be happy.

Although I believe that I am a positive person and try not to dwell on things too much, my anxiety occasionally comes to haunt me and leaves me overthinking, worrying and just generally creating thoughts that have no reason to even be there. I want to live in the moment and worry less about everything, so I've made some pretty big decisions. Here goes...

I've quit my job. It actually gives me so much pleasure in saying this as it's something that's dragged me down for quite a long time now. I started uni with a 25 hour job and it just piled on the pressure. Even after cutting my hours, with the workload I had to compete with at uni, I was worrying more and more about pleasing both my manager and my lecturers, forgetting about what actually matters. Me.

The pressure to do so much more overtime, get coursework and revision done and have a social life was something that I just about dealt with for the majority of time at uni. Now, heading into my third year with a 2:1, I want to make sure I keep my grades up and concentrate on my work, and now I get a lie in on the weekend!

I've also decided to apply for a postgraduate PGCE. This decision, if you know me, isn't that much of a shocker. I started my summer this year by volunteering in a primary school for two months, and it's made me realise what I really want. Yes, I love media and journalism has been the perfect degree for me to study. If a job comes up in the media industry or I want to do more work experience in newspapers, magazines or PR, then I might! But after being part of a primary school the final term of the year, it's really opened my eyes into what it is I want to do and made me think about what's best for me.

So, as my final year of uni approaches, I've made some big decisions that I'm hoping will reflect positively on my work and grades. I've also made smaller, everyday decisions; to be more organised, to take every chance I'm given and to think of the positive in every situation. Hopefully, this time next year, I'll be able to look back and realise that I chose the right path.

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Wanderer Magazine

I adore looking through travel magazines and thought that it would be fun to give it a go and create my own, as part of one of my second year modules. This was the final result!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I am having the busiest week ever! 

I didn't think they'd be quite so much to do, but it turns out that going on holiday, getting assignments written and working is enough for anyone... let alone when it's just over a week until Christmas!

I'm taking it all in my stride.

The festive atmosphere is my favourite thing about Christmas and this year, I'm feeling it more than ever. Students boasting their Christmas jumpers, my gifts wrapped and delivered, decorations lighting up the house and for me, counting up my dollars ready for a Christmas trip away!

This week, staying late at uni most days in order to get my assignments done before Christmas has left me with not too much time for anything else! 

Today I wrote a list of everything I need to take on holiday with me, with the hope that when it comes to last minute packing, I won't be forgetting anything!

I've already got a few things ready; clothes, thermals, winter warmers and a new pair of UGG Australia boots. But until Friday night, I can't see much more being added to the suitcase!

So, only 3 days to go!!! 

I'll see you on the other side with, hopefully, some wonderful pictures and a lot of NYC purchases!

Back to uni essentials

I am so so excited to be going back to uni! But making sure I have everything organised is confusing me already. 

Obviously living at home I don't have to buy all my housing items or food which has saved me soooo much money! Although in second year most people, even moving to a student house, already have all the necessary things they need for home living!

But here's my essentials for university that you'll need whether you live at home or not!

1. Stationary

Oh my gosh. You won't realise how much you write until you start your course. For me especially doing journalism, the amount of writing is unbelievable. I tend to write more than type, I find that it helps me remember things more, as well as colour coordinating and drawing diagrams.

I always make sure my stationary is colourful and interesting, it definitely makes things a bit more exciting during lectures!

2. Laptop

I don't think I'd have coped last year without my laptop. I bought it while I was still at sixth form and it took me a whole year to save for (minimum wage really does suck!) but it is without a doubt the most worthwhile purchase I have ever made. But, just a tip, don't buy Microsoft Office before heading to uni, lots of uni's now offer it for free! I spend last year using my 'pages' and 'keynote' apps, which are alright but since getting Office, writing essays and putting together presentations has become so so much easier.

3. Clothes

I love shopping, especially for clothes, and I never thought that going to uni would require so much thought when it came to what to wear. My lecture hall can be absolutely freezing during the winter so I decided to purchase a proper winter coat. I wore it almost every day to uni and it's so comfortable. It sounds silly, but when sitting in the same spot for 3 hours, all you want is comfy clothes! Definitely invest in a couple of comfy jumpers and some decent shoes!

4. Diary

Starting university really made me become so much more organised! Sorting out folders, a daily commute, loads of extra work  and juggling a part-time job has really helped me with my routine. I didn't have a diary last year and wrote down all of my extra work and essay titles in a note on my phone. This wasn't great for remembering what exactly to do so this year, I've decided to buy a diary which will 100% help me with being even more organised when it comes to work.

5. Bag

If you're like me and hate carrying round loads of different bags, invest in one big, sturdy handbag for your first week of uni! You'll be surprised with how much stuff you have to take with you; folders, stationary, papers, books and sometimes taking your laptop for after-lecture studies. It will all start piling up so one giant 'uni bag' will keep all your work together!

I hope this helps and good luck if you're starting uni this year, you will absolutely love it.

I'd love to hear from anyone with questions or tips on uni life...

A day in Bristol

I've never been to Bristol. As silly as it sounds, I only live about an hour away and have heard some really good things about the shopping, eating out and nightlife, so I thought it was time to check it out for myself.

The train journey there was easy and quick; and a lot better than driving. It was a surprisingly nice day and the walk from the station to Cabot Circus was good, even better once we actually got there. There is so many shops in Cabot Circus and in the town, from Ark to Size, Zara to Boux Avenue, I was definitely happy to spend the day looking around and getting myself a few treats.

After a day of shopping, we were absolutely starving and realised we hadn't eaten all day. The choice of restaurants in the town was difficult, there must be at least 30 to choose from. We opted for a Zizzi's, I was really craving pasta after a week of eating burgers and pizza. Somehow I still wish we'd have picked Five Guys!

I'll definitely be heading back to Bristol soon - the range of shops was amazing and the layout of the town was so nice - I think I prefer it to Birmingham for a summer's day shopping. You can tell the nightlife wouldn't disappoint either!

Maybe I'll spot a few more of these next time too...