An update... and graduation 2017!

I can't believe how long it's been since I last updated my blog! I know I don't need to justify myself for the lack of posts there have been, however, I wanted to update you all on what I've been up to since September.

So, I've started (and am 13 weeks into) my PGCE and what a mad 13 weeks it has been! I am loving every minute of being in school, working towards my goals and learning more about education. I am absolutely shattered, which is probably half the reason I haven't posted much, but I would not change it for the world. Through lesson planning, writing assignments, being observed, attending training and creating resources, on top of 9-3 teaching, I have not had a moment to stop and appreciate exactly how much I have learnt and how far I have come in such a little time.

Yesterday I received my first formal teaching grade and am so proud to say I passed across the board. It was the first time since beginning my teaching journey I have really stopped to think about how far I have come since September and how proud I am of making the decision to teach.

In other news, I have finally graduated the University of Gloucestershire with a 2:1 in Journalism. Although I have decided not to follow the journalism route with my career, the skills I learnt and knowledge I acquired across the 3 years will follow me through my teaching journey.

Graduation was super fun and it was so nice to see all my friends and the lecturers again. It was held was at Cheltenham Racecourse, which was absolutely beautiful (even if I nearly froze to death!) and being surrounded by my friends and family was the perfect way to end the 3 great years I spent at the university.

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.

A day trip to Oxford

Image from Pixabay

Last weekend was full on; cinema trips, shopping, eating out, celebrations, road-tripping and cake making! On Sunday, we decided to head to Oxford. We visited the University city in 2015 and you can see my post here but this time, we had a different agenda.

First we headed to the Ashmolean Museum, where we discovered arts of the Renaissance, incredible Greek sculptures and a marble staircase of dreams. I love exploring museums and learning more about different countries and cultures, especially when those countries are places that I dream of visiting. I think it's good to immerse yourself in the culture of countries you're interested in, it can really make you appreciate another place.

After exploring the Ashmolean, we headed to Jamie's Italian for a pasta fuelled lunch, complete with a gorgeous praline bomb and a few cocktails. Shopping in Oxford is really good but I only came away with a couple of items; I think online shopping is so much easier, stress free and actually allows you to look at the items you're buying.

We spent our last hour visiting the University colleges, parks and buildings. They're absolutely breath-taking; you really don't feel like you're in a city with the culture and architecture that surrounds you. Oxford is one of my favourite cities and heading there just for the day made my bank holiday weekend so much more exciting. 

If you love Oxford, are thinking of travelling there this year or have some great recommendations for the city, feel free to leave me a comment or tweet me @amie_journalist 

For now, here's just some of the pictures I took on my trip:

What I would tell my younger self

Image from Pixabay

I wish I knew what I knew now when I was younger. Although I'm only 20 and still have a lot to learn, there's plenty of things I wish I would have known while I was at school. When you're a teenager, it seems as though you're the only person who has ever had to go through anything and when things happen for the first time, it seems as though there's no-one to turn to or any advice that is ever good enough. 

The first thing I would tell my younger self would be that it's ok not to be ok. It's a quote that I live by and I really believe in. It's ok to cry, it's okay to feel lonely and it's ok to want to be alone. Everyone has down days and sometimes, things just don't work out the way you want them to but it's ok, because everything will always get better - whether you believe it or not.

In addition, everything will work out in the end. Another motto I live by is 'everything happens for a reason' and if you're stuck thinking nothing's going right, if your plans change or if an outcome isn't what you were expecting, there's no need to worry. Everything always works out in the end and you'll see that maybe, things that don't go to plan might actually turn out for the best.

Another piece of advice I'd have told my younger self is to be organised. Since being at uni, I've been super organised with everything; work, assignments, commuting, work experience. But at school I was the opposite, probably focusing more on a social life than work and I wish I'd have put much more effort and organisation into school, especially at Sixth Form. Although things didn't turn out how I wanted at the time, since leaving school everything seems to have worked out for the best which is brilliant, but having a plan could have prevented some of the journeys I had to take in order to be where I am now.

To finish - don't settle for anything less than you deserve. It may seem that the job, boyfriend, opportunities etc you are given at the time may seem like the best thing that's ever happened to you and that might be the case. But if you have a gut feeling about something, it's usually right. Get rid of anything that's damaging you as a person and if that will make you unhappy at the time, think about your future and whether changing habits now will enhance your future for the better.

Believe in yourself. #WednesdayWisdom pic.twitter.com/PRFrNLOwuf

— Amie Rhone (@amie_journalist) April 26, 2017

What I'd do differently... looking back at university

I'm nearly at the end of my undergraduate degree, to be precise, I only have 46 days left! It's flying by.

Over the past couple of months, I have really started to get on top of my work load, more than I ever did in first or second year. I don't know if it's because the work is ten times more stressful or I am really aiming for a good grade but I'm definitely more organised and more determined than ever to finish university with pride and a great sense of accomplishment.

I have had such a good three years at the University of Gloucestershire and although I won't be taking up journalism as a full-time career, I hope to still be writing my blog and occasional pieces once I'm fully immersed into teaching. The course has been brilliant and has helped me develop a whole array of skills that I may not have from any other; interviewing, confidence in presenting, social media presence as well as improving my writing.

Although I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and the university, there are a few things that if I could go back, I would probably change. For anyone thinking of going to university or just finishing your first year, you might find these tips beneficial or just enjoy reading about my experiences.

The first thing I would probably suggest I'd have done differently is that I would have participated in more work experience. In my first year, I did one week's work experience at a local newspaper, which was brilliant as it gave me more confidence but looking back, I should have definitely done more. This year as part of a module, I have completed 16 days work experience at three different companies where I have learned so much from industry professionals; picking up tips and techniques, learning new things, meeting new people and just giving it a go. If I'd have been consistent in maybe taking just three or so weeks a year and dedicating them to work experience, I'd have learned more or gained better placements. You learn so much from working in the industry and experience is vital in any role, especially when you begin to look for a career or a post-graduate job.

"You can do it."

If I could go back to that first week at university, the one thing I would tell myself is 'you can do it'. Gosh, I wish I knew. In first year and second year, there were times where I sat and thought "I'm never going to get a 2:1," "this is so difficult" and "am I ever going to make it to the end?" but I shouldn't have worried so much. You can do it and you will do it and looking back, maybe I was just being tough on myself.

Getting your name out there is so important and I wish I knew that three years ago. I know it may be more relevant to my degree but creating a 'professional' Twitter or Facebook page can get you a long way and is sometimes the best way to meet new people. I've picked up job opportunities, interviews and freelance work as well as met some amazing people, just via social media platforms. Obviously work experience is another key way to get your name out there but whether it's to initially find that work experience, gain you freelance opportunities or if industry professionals could refer you on to another employer, it's all worth it.

"You're the only person who can create your future."

I've always been pretty good with assignments, probably because I love being super organised and having a plan for everything. But you can never start an assignment too early. In my final year, I've been juggling work placements, a dissertation, creating a professional portfolio and varies other assignments and it's seriously stressing me out. I try to start a plan for an assignment as soon as the module guide is posted; A word document outlining the essay, a reminder to book out filming equipment, ringing people for interviews or just writing a countdown to the due date. It all helps. Assignments are so important and no one ever looks back and regrets working hard for their achievements. At the end of the day, you're the only person who can create your future.

After all of that and I'm sorry if I've stressed anyone out (it's not all that bad!)... just chill. Why shouldn't you still enjoy yourself, have fun and do what you want? I quit my job at the start of my third year and it's probably the best decision I made. Yes, I concentrate on university work five days a week but I can also enjoy myself at the weekends, say yes to evenings out and slob out in front of the TV on a Sunday. University is hard work but trust me when I say, if you put in the effort it shows. But enjoy yourself, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, just make sure it's all worth it.

3 months today until I finish uni... I can't believe how quickly it's gone and how much I've achieved✨ #journalism @uniofglos pic.twitter.com/Vr1pynPNhI

— Amie Rhone (@amie_journalist) February 26, 2017

10 things that made me happy in March

Image from Pixabay

1. Managing my work

This month, I've started feeling better about my final year workload. My dissertation is finally coming together, essay planning is underway and I'm looking forward to enjoying the last few months of uni. I've felt so stressed since Christmas, thinking that I'd never be able to complete my dissertation or have control of my work but I can see it starting to take shape.

2. Meeting new people

I love meeting new people and exploring new opportunities and this month has been full of them! I'm in contact with so many more bloggers, industry professionals and have enjoyed meeting new people and getting to know them.

3. It's finally Spring!

My favourite season is in full swing; longer days, brighter evenings, warmer weather and cooler drinks. The dull winter is long gone and it's looking more like Spring. People just seem so much happier when the sun's out and having the sun shining definitely helps when I'm trying to complete assignments.

4. I paid off my holiday

It's such a relief when you pay off a holiday and I've finally got round to doing it. This year's holiday is a pretty expensive one so I couldn't wait to pay it off, now I just want to go! I can use the extra money to buy plenty of holiday clothes now.

5. September can't come soon enough

I know it's only March and we've still got the summer to enjoy but I just can't wait to start teaching in September. This month, my timetable was sent out, along with a portfolio of how the year will run and how I'll be assessed and it's really made it all seem so much more exciting. Bring it on.

6. Catching up with friends

I really don't see my friends enough. When it comes to organised meals, nights out and shopping trips, it always seems as though dates don't work out or things get re-scheduled. This month, I caught up with some of my lovely friends and I can't wait to be able to see them a lot more after uni.

7. Graduation

Last week, I finally received my graduation date. Although it's not for another 8 months, I'm already looking forward to the day. Having graduation in mind has given me so much motivation to complete my work to the best of my ability and have a goal set in my mind.

8. Spoiling my Mum

I love buying gifts for my Mum and she definitely deserves a lot more than I can afford but I enjoyed spoiling her this Mother's Day. I also fought hard to find the perfect present for my Nan's birthday but finally settled on some summer essentials from her favourite shop.

9. My sister came home

My sister lives away at university and although I speak to her every day, I don't see her as much as I'd like. She came home for Mother's Day weekend to celebrate our Nan's birthday and see the family, which was lovely.

10. Work experience

I completed a weeks work experience at Gloucestershire Live and the Gloucestershire Echo at the start of March, which I really enjoyed. I spent the week talking to new people, interviewing shop owners, writing pieces for online and newspapers and having lot of laughs in the office. It was such a good week, made even better by having 5 published pieces in the paper.

Social media: Why I use it and what it means to me

Image from Pixabay

Contacts

One of the first tips I was told as a student journalist is to make sure my social media is up to scratch; constantly updated, chat with industry professionals online, remove old or inappropriate posts and follow the people that you aspire to be like or who has your dream job. This is probably the best advice I've been told. Since posting professional content, I've seen an increase in activity, with followers from industry professionals and a bigger following on my blog. Building contacts is good in any profession and you never know what you'll get from following someone on Twitter or commenting on someone's Instagram post.

News

Social media has changed the way in which traditional news platforms report news. Most people now see stories first on Facebook, especially if they follow any news outlets on there, but even through shares, likes and comments. Newspapers are now providing digital content for the majority of their stories; political, entertainment, business or just general news, helping more people than ever become interested in news. Over 80% of people now source their news online and social media has been the biggest influence on that number, especially in generating more people, who wouldn't have before, to read news.

Family

Keeping in contact with my family is so important to me, especially as my family live all over the UK and since my Uncle moved over to Madrid. Social media completely changed the way I chat to my family and friends, with it being so easy to keep in touch, see what people are up to and message them. From double-tapping pictures and videos on Instagram to liking status's on Facebook and messaging each other, I feel closer than ever to my family who I may not see as often as I'd like... simply down to the introduction of social media!

Trends

Similarly to news outlets, trending stories have completely changed the way that news is now provided. Whether it's a trending hashtag on Twitter to a story on Facebook, trends are purely there because so many people are talking about a certain topic. It now takes just seconds to open an app and see what's going on; a killer speech at the Grammys, important election results, the latest sports scores or even a pregnancy reveal!

Job Opportunities

Social media isn't just about checking in with your friends and having a laugh. As I've made my way through university, I've realised how important social media accounts are in reflecting your brand, personality and enthusiasm when it comes to future careers. Creating a professional Facebook and Twitter account helped my following and got me in touch with people I wouldn't have dreamed about speaking to before and creating a LinkedIn account is certainly the best thing I could have done while looking for job opportunities. Don't hold back when it comes to getting your name out there and showing your skills off!


Check out this post for tips on how to transform your social media:

What will 2017 bring?

Image from nstpictures.com

For me, the new year doesn't mean resolutions and becoming a 'better person', it's all about reflecting on good times and trying your best to make this year just as good as the last.

2016 was a brilliant year, full of personal achievements, holidays and realisations. I finally figured out what it is I want to do and how I want to do it, along with my plans for the end of 2017. Now that we're fully immersed into the new year, I thought I'd let you know what my plans are for this year, and why, for me, 2017 is going to be big.

So far, plans include:

• Final Semester - I want to finish my final year at UoG proud of what I have achieved and knowing that I have put 100% into every piece of work.

• 21st Birthday - Although I'll still be focusing on grades and my final assignment, my 21st in May kick starts the summer nicely and I'm sure to be celebrating in style.

• Mexico - A country I've always wanted and now I finally get to; I'm so glad we booked this last year. I can't wait to spend 2 weeks soaking up the sun and sipping on cocktails!

• Graduation - I can't wait for graduation. After 3 years of hard work and deadlines, graduating will definitely be my biggest achievement to date.

• Postgraduate course - I decided last year to apply for a postgraduate PGCE, and have since placed my firm choice with a lovely school in Pershore. The beginning of a new journey.

Top 5 lifestyle tips

After a busy few weeks house-sitting and beginning my second year of uni, I wanted to share some simple tips that once you have grasped, become second nature. They're not bold, confusing or time-wasting, just very simple but extremely effective...

1. Find the right skincare

For the last two years, my skin has been awful. Not necessarily on my face or hands, but on my legs. I developed eczema, causing itching, bleeding and scarring - and no skincare cream or moisturiser seemed to help. I recently found out about Aveeno, and their moisturising cream has been my saviour. It may not work wonders on everyone, but my legs have cleared up, smoothed and cause no irritation. It's most definitely the best cream I have ever bought.

2. Drink more water

I always thought that I drank enough water, 4 or 5 glasses a day. Until dehydration became a huge problem for me, resulting in painful migraines and poor skin. Force yourself to drink as much water as you can everyday and you'll find that not only do you snack less, but your skin will begin to glow and plump.

3. Talk to people

As much as it may seem scary and daunting at first, speak to as many people as you can. Your hairdresser, friends of friends, strangers, people in your chosen career field. I recently created a LinkedIn account, where I have spoken to many people in journalism and teaching, and found that they may put you into contact for a job, work experience or just simply give you advice on your careers and ambitions. Talk to people - you might never know where it gets you.

4. Keep organised

My final year of uni is mad already. Being thrown into searching for work experience, thinking of ideas for a dissertation and constantly being told of expectations is a pretty daunting scenario (after 4 months off!), so keeping organised is my main focus. Writing everything down, taking as much from every lecture as possible and finding a way to manage my time has been tricky - but once you know what you're doing and when you have time to do it, it makes it seem that little bit easier.

5. Think positively

Exams, dissertations, assignments, work - the list could go on. It all seems so scary, especially when you want to do as well as you can. The main thing you can do is to think positively, believe in yourself and aim high. And if it's all getting too much, remove yourself and come back to it after a couple of hours. Go and watch bake-off and order a takeaway...

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!

Stubbs has his sights set on success

DJing and house music have made their way into the commercial music scene and with more recognition for up-and-coming artists, there’s no time like the present to follow your ambitions. Callum Stubbs focuses on catchy beats and a slick style to his tracks, something that will continue with the launch of his EP. With success in sight, 2016 is definitely going to be the year for this musician… 

By Amie Rhone. 

Callum Stubbs started playing the guitar when he was 10, which sparked his interest in music. Along with growing up listening to a variety of music, his Dad also played both the guitar and the piano, something that inspired Callum to become the musician he is now. 

His passion and enthusiasm for music is evident, from his university work to attending gigs, clubbing and finding work experience. Studying Music Production at the Leeds College of Music has helped Callum with his ambitions: “I’ve really found my feet while being at uni, the opportunities I get while up in Leeds are brilliant. It’s such a great place for live music and the course has helped me learn so much about what I want to do. 

“In the future, I hope to become a successful music producer. I see myself with a solid job; travelling, touring, making money from music and just having fun!” 

The determination that this 20-year-old has not only shows in his music, but across all of his hobbies. His love of cycling and sport is also something he grew up with, from having a competitive relationship with his brother. “He’s 7 years older than me but as we got older, we became competitive with our interests. We both run, so we’re always trying to beat each other.” But how does he fit it all in? “Cycling is something that helps to motivate me. I tend to cycle more when I’m at home from uni, to keep me busy. My inspiration for music comes to me in the evening when I’m relaxing, so cycling in the day keeps my mind occupied and gives me something to do! 

"A couple of years ago, I might have taken cycling to the next level; more competitions, pushing myself to the max and looked at finding a career from it. Now, my sole focus for a career is music, it’s what I’ve always wanted to do.” 

A career in music is something that certainly looks promising for this young musician. His eagerness to get his name ‘out there’ recently found him work experience at Radio 1Xtra Live in Leeds, an event that was broadcasted across radio, television and social media. He spent his time backstage and met the likes of Trevor Nelson, Lethal Bizzle, Katy B and Charlie Sloth: “Speaking to people who are in the music business really boosts my confidence. I feel like I’m making progress when I receive feedback from my music, advice is definitely the most important tool I could be given.” As an artist himself, the main piece of advice from Callum is to be persistent: “Never ever give up. They’ll be times that you think you can’t do it but there is always a way. Have confidence in yourself, gain contacts but most importantly, say hi. Don’t be shy, there’s no time for that.” 

Gigs are an important part of Callum’s work and are a great chance for him to get noticed. Back at home in Ashton under Hill, he is involved with two bands, Second Line and Nick Brown and the Profile. Playing at fetes, festivals and parties leaves his schedule jam-packed for most of the summer, but is 2016 set to be even busier? “I love playing gigs everywhere and we’re already taking bookings for the start of next year. I would love to start DJing a bit more in 2016, maybe a few local clubs, then moving on to bigger venues in Leeds and Birmingham. That would be really cool.” 

With the launch of his EP set to drop in late spring, 2016 is definitely looking to be the biggest year yet for Callum. Although, he really isn’t giving too much away. “They’ll be around 4 tracks on the EP. I can’t wait to release it, it will have a summery vibe to it and I’m hoping for the songs to develop throughout.” But when it comes to finding inspiration for his tracks, he knows who to look up to. “Tom Misch and Salute are two up-and-coming artists who I follow on social media and SoundCloud, I love both of their styles and they have unique signature sounds – something which I really want to create with my EP. 

"Bonobo is probably my favourite artist. He has become huge as a DJ, musician and producer and he has such a solid fanbase. He has been around for so long but is always consistent and I thoroughly admire his work ethic.” 

Callum speaks so highly of the artists that he aspires to be like, but without realising that he has all of the same qualities as they do. With so 

much going on in the new year, I have a feeling a lot is going to be changing for this young artist.

https://soundcloud.com/callum-stubbs-music

Film review: Spectre

It starts in Mexico City. The tracking shots of 007; swerving through the crowds, leading a mystery woman up the stairs into the hotel room, walking along the rooftops. Explosions grip us from the start, the storyline yet to unfold.

Bond is most definitely back.

Charming and courageous, Daniel Craig’s performance is everything you imagine it will be. Capturing the essence of Bond time and time again, 007 uncovers the secrets from the previous three films in the series in one thrilling masterpiece. With gadgets and humour, girls and cars, Spectre plays on the iconography of Bond, but with an edge. The wondrous performance from Craig leaves you with hope for the next film, surely they won’t get rid of him?

Every scene in Spectre is anticipated, but with twists and turns that make it enthralling to watch. The thrill of a fight-scene, Bond’s determination and forward thinking which Craig portrays wonderfully. The typical sex-scene, heart racing and expected. But, in the shadows of a boardroom, Bond is lurking. The eeriness and quietness from the scene make it one of the most tense, yet, intriguing scenes from any of the Bond films.

The exotic locations are typical to James Bond films, and these certainly did not disappoint in Spectre. The ancient city of Rome, the bitterness of Austrian mountains and the familiar backdrop of London all serve their own purpose and certainly bring a glamorous, luxury element to the film.

Music is a huge component for any film, especially James Bond. The anticipation of ‘Writing’s on the Wall’ gave us the first glimpse of what the film would be like and alike any Sam Smith track, was outstanding. Throughout the film, the music is brilliant; carefully selected and paced, building up tension or slowing it down, it is evident that Mendes’ selections for every second of this film were thoroughly pondered – something that definitely doesn’t go a miss.

The writing is as always, brilliant. Using the humour and sarcasm that, in the last film, made the Bond series’ really come alive worked just as well again; carefully placed and brilliantly delivered. As well as the humour bringing Spectre to a new era, the scripts don’t hold back on the one-liners that we all know and love. Together with incredible performances from not only Daniel Craig - but Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw - just to name a few, the 24^th film in the series is no doubt the greatest film of the year so far.

This is the perfect end to a much-awaited sequel, one that I can’t wait to watch again.

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...