University Advice #2 - Nights Out

As a university student I have been on many nights out but I can't help but think why? Every week in the same place, with the same people, what is the point?

Now I'm not saying this isn't the way to have fun because for some people it is. For me personally, it's the social aspect that makes me go out every week to talk to people away from lectures and the boring discussion of assignments.

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It's ok to say no to a night out even if your friends will be going and they beg you to go. It's ok to miss out, something I probably have only just learnt to do.

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Even though I'm from London and there are a million and one things I can do to have fun, as a third year student I just don't have the time anymore.

If you are in your first year, my main advice to you is don't miss any opportunities. Maybe set yourself goals in what you want to do during your first year because honestly when you reach your third year you migt not have the time (unless you are incredibly organised, unlike me).

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When it comes to alcohol too, don't be afraid to go out and have a one drink or even non-alocholic. The student stereotype is 'we' go out and get drunk, you don't need to be like that. It's ok to say no to more than one drink, even if your friends think that means you are a bore.

I can speak from personal experience that it is alright to sit there, have one drink and just talk to people. Obviously this depends on what sort of person you are and if you love drinking then seriously go for it! However I know how tiring and the effort that comes with going out,  having to get dressed up, even predrinks and travel. Expensive and is now a massive decision and dedication to go out.

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I feel like I am now a boring third year student but my main point is don't be afraid to say no to a night out. Whether you feel like you'll miss out on something or even the pressure from friends, ultimately it's your decision. If you like nights out and the whole club vibe then go for it but sometimes it's nice to have a break and a nice night in.

Sam x

Tips for Creating a Blog

Before I started my blog I looked up a lot of different things to ensure I was doing the best thing possible to make my blog the best it can be. Now this doesn't mean this is a guide to having a perfect blog and you'll get millions of views, it's just a few things I found when it comes to creating and writing your blog. 

So I will begin with the first thing I looked up when I started taking my blog more seriously. I found a news article 'Want to become a star blogger?' and of course they included a picture of Zoella (Zoe Sugg) who is absolutely incredible and amazing! But that's enough fangirling from me... 

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Growing an audience

• It's important to tailor social media platforms to your audience. It makes it easier by identifying which platform your readers are using to be able to connect and communicate with them.
• Use a platform that you feel suits your needs as a blogger like Blogger or Wordpress.
• Engage with other blogs by commenting on blogs you admire, this way you might receive more yourself.
• Growing your views isn't easy but it can be rewarding spending time updating social platforms and creating new content you enjoy writing. 
• To grow audience I found many websites that say ideally upload 3 times a week.

There are two reasons why people create blogs:

1. Personal Project: Writing about whatever you can, this way people who can relate to your posts will maybe comment and share their own experiences with you.
2. Career: Focusing on one topic like fashion for example and hoping readers are interested in that and will want to follow. 

This isn't to say these are strict rules and you MUST do these, it's just want I've found but I wouldn't say I have a theme, I just write about random topics. You could if you enjoy two topic try and connect them or even have two separate blogs for each but you wouldn't want to neglect one blog more than the other.

Start as a hobby was the most important advice I found as most bloggers don't earn a full time living. Just see where you end up, blog witting can give you many other skills towards a job you probably never even realised like digital communication or editorial journalism. 

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• Write what you love - Make sure it's 'you'. 
• Be different - Try and set yourself apart.
• Write like you talk - your personality can shine through, again just be 'you'. 
• Good content is key - write content that you as a reader would want to read.
• Photography skills - the more professional your pictures look, the more professional your blog seems. This is something I struggle with but I'd love to get a really good camera one day to improve my photography skills which is why for now I use getty images to avoid any copyright issues.
• Research - make your blog bigger by studying others. Don't copy, pick your favourite things from different blogs, come up with new ideas and learn new things. Remember blogging isn't a competition but a fun way to express yourself. 
• Do good - promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.
• Friends - Most importantly when it comes to your blog posts don't forget to reply to comments and engage with your readers. 

I could go on and on about what I found when researching about blog creating but these points mentioned I feel are the most important and helpful. I also went and looked at the blogs that I love to read for inspiration for my own blog. Once again be careful not to copy but sometimes just by looking at a blog by someone who inspires you can give you the motivation you need to carry on. 

I hope you find this post helpful.

Like always you can contact me on Twitter @girlwithablog16 or via email agirlwithablog16@gmail.com. 

Sam x