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

Pro's and Con's of University

If you had asked my teachers in secondary school if I would make it to university they would have probably laughed in your face and said "You need to get a C in English and Maths first". Education was always a struggle for me but I managed to make it to university. Moving into my third year and I am still yet to decide at the age of 21 what to actually do with my life.

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I've had friends who went to university and some who haven't and honestly we have all ended up the same apart from those of us who went to university have money to pay back. This post is based on the pro's and con's of going to university, you need to remember that university isn't for everyone and it's perfectly fine to go down another path if you know university isn't for you.

Pro's:

1. University can give you independence and helps you develop life skills to prepare for the real world if you are living away from home for the first time. Even if you go to university and decide to stay at home traveling in everyday this allows you to gain these skills as traveling can develop skills to organise your time wisely between traveling, assignments and revision.
2. Once you have your degree it is believed that qualified employees are paid more than non qualified colleagues. Now this doesn't mean you have to go to university just to earn more money, I have a few friends who have done perfectly fine without university and are now managers or have had a few promotions in their careers so this one is just up to your opinion whether you think university is for you.
3. In my personal opinion, the main reason people do not go to university is because of the amount it costs. The truth is you only begin to pay back your student loans when you are earning over a certain amount which is £21,000. Student Finance helps towards all student payments which is based on your parents income and what you may be entitled to receive from them.
4. University and the social life is what you make it out to be, not everyone is a drinker but this shouldn't be one of the reason not to go to university. If you aren't much of a drinker that's fine but if you are then university is definitely for you. You make plenty of friends at university and they are the ones you are likely to keep for a life time.

Con's:

1. Some people can choose the wrong degree. Unfortunately it does happen. You could start your degree and later decide that you are no longer interested in a career in that field. There would be no point wasting 3 years of your life doing a degree that you are uninterested in and don't see a future.
2. Another issue could be a decline in the careers available in the topic you are interested in, this is obviously something you will not be aware of when you start.
3. The hidden costs that go with university like technology (buying a printer, ink or even a laptop if you don't have one), stationary (notepads, pens or even sticky notes), books for your course for research and revision, travel and even household bills if you live in a student house.
4. University is difficult and very different compared to doing A-Levels so some people may find the new workload tricky to maintain but that doesn't mean it isn't rewarding or 'fun' to research and learn new things about the topic you are most interested in.
5. And finally the last negative is home sickness. Some students I know struggle with the distance apart from their families. But I feel this is part of developing independence and establishing who you want to be.

It is said that university can be the most stressful but fun years of your life. I hope these pro's and con's help you to make this important decision on whether university is for you.

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If you do decide to go to university or not, either way you have a lot to look forward too! These years give you the chance to try new things, follow your dreams and prepare for a lifetime.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments I will answer them all and share this if you'd like.

Thank you so much for reading, you can contact me also via email: agirlwithablog16@gmail.com.

Sam x

Make Up vs No Make Up

For many years I never understood why girls at school would cover their faces with make up, I just never got the need to do it until now. Being at a university that is dominated by boys and when the girls have to stick together, I began to realise that out of the 30% of girls that go to my university I am the only one who didn't wear make up. It wasn't until my 2nd year at university and the age of 20 that I have started to wear make up. And why you ask? Let me explain.

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Many of you will think you shouldn't have changed who you are to fit in and the truth is at the beginning that's exactly what I did. I can remember multiple times when I would be sat at lunch during secondary school and one of my friends would pressure me into letting her do my make up. The truth is I felt like and sometimes still do think, what is the point in making the effort?

I didn't decide magically one day to start wearing make up on a regular basis, I had to practice and see what make up was best to use for my Summer Ball 2015. As I have sensitive skin I could have been allergic to something and wearing it the day when I was due to 'dress to impress' would have been a terrible idea, as I could decide to have a random rash attack and my face swell up to the size of a watermelon.

Like the same as everyone there is that particular guy that I wanted to impress so therefore I took myself off to buy make up for the first time in 20 years. Honestly, I didn't know what half the stuff was and still don't *facepalm*. Finally when I had picked out a few products I was going to try, I went to the self checkout and half the products wouldn't scan so I was there an extra 30 minutes but in the end I made it out alive!

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As I was a beginner I just put on eye shadow and mascara when I got back before I continued my university assignment that was due the next day *oops*, as I am slow and have the attention span of a 3 year old I went up a few levels in the student accommodation I lived in to go to my friends flat so we could finish the assignment together.

It wasn't until I knocked on the door I realised I was still wearing make up and it was too late to turn back and take it off. All of a sudden, I felt nervous about it. Would she make a comment? What if she laughs? Maybe I put it on wrong?

She didn't do any of those things. She smiled and noticed immediately and gave me a compliment. For someone who had never worn make up that was a big moment for me. But I still can not bring myself to wear make up everyday and I honestly never will be one of those people who does. It always depends I will wake up one morning and will make the effort and sometimes not. I am honestly too lazy in the morning to be up early and do my make up for hours.

So I didn't do it for the attention or the pressure of fitting in with others, it's hard to explain but sometimes it's just nice to make the effort even if I still am wearing my jeans and a hoody.

So make up or no make up?

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Seriously both.

Let me know what you are below, make up or no make up?

Sam x