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

University Advice #1 - Local Area

Hi guys! Sorry it's been a while, I've been busy researching for my dissertation and my schedule is fully booked with assignments and work! I live an exciting life ha, but anyway on with the post.

I have decided to start posting separate posts on advice for university students, from experience I know that it can be overwhelming going to university. New areas and new friends can bring along amazing new experiences for you to get involved in whilst you study. Though it also brings new amounts of pressure from the workload and anxiety, but it honestly will be the best years of your life.

Wembley Stadium - Taken from Wembley Park Tube Station

My first advice for anyone starting university and too any first years out there is don't be afraid to explore your new local area. As you can see from my images I took earlier today, my local area is Wembley.

Most iconic which you should recognise is Wembley Stadium, along with Wembley Arena. Student life can get crazy on match and event days as all the local pubs and bars are full but for some people maybe this makes it better or some choose to stay inside and watch Netflix. 

Wembley Stadium

Wembley Arena

Right next to the stadium, is the London Designer Outlet which includes restaurants and designer shops. Where in my first year, age 19, I experienced my first ever Nando's and Subway!  

London Designer Outlet

If you get to know your local surroundings during your first year it will help you by firstly, being about to meet friends in new places and secondly, it may make you feel more comfort and reassurance. This isn't to say you have to do this but if you are like me and worry a little too much than you should about the smallest things, it just bring comfort just by knowing where you are. 

If you are a student going to university or maybe a student already please comment below any questions or ideas you have that I can include as 'University Advice #2'.

Like always thanks so much for reading! Stay strong and positive!

Love Sam x

Talking about Disabilities

If You Can't See It, It Doesn't Mean It's Not There!

I have no shame in coming out and saying that I have a disability. My disability is Joint Hypermobility Syndrome. This basically means my joints move beyond the normal range of movement (basically severely double jointed). Some symptoms that come with Joint Hypermobility is pain on a daily basis, clumsiness and my joints can dislocate but thankfully this hasn't happened yet! (click here to see my post about living with Joint Hypermobility)

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Unfortunately for me, all my hospital appointments and scans started when I was in year 12 whilst taking my A-levels. I was studying Media, Sociology, Art and Design Technology which became a struggle as I was doing a lot of writing for sociology and drawing and 'DIY' for both Art and Design Technology. So as you can imagine some teachers thought I would struggle and I proved them wrong and made it to university studying Football Business and Media.

This isn't a post that'll just be me going on and on about myself, but here is the reason for sharing my story.

Firstly, I will start by saying if you have a disability you can't let it hold you back. Don't let your disability be the reason for not trying new things and sounds cheesy but following your dreams. I was afraid I wouldn't make it to university due to my disability but I just had to change a few things to get there like the course I was doing and it's been the best decision of my life. Don't let your disability control you, control it instead.

Statistics I found show that in England, there are 9.4 million disabled population which is 18% of the population. 17% of people are born with their disabilities along with 1 in 20 children and 1 in 5 working adults.

Whereas some other statistics I found which disappoint and anger me are:

• 38% of people believe disabled people are a burden on society
• 27% of people believe disabled people are treated differently and this is because lack of knowledge around the topic of disabilities
• 180 disability hate crimes are committed everyday which results in victims losing their confidence

Most importantly 52% of people believe disabilities are physical. This statistic really shocked me, which makes me question what if somebody's disability isn't obvious to you? Like disabilities you cannot see which is why I used mine as an example.

It's important to recognise that just because you can't see someone's disability doesn't mean it isn't there.

If you'd like to share your story please comment below or email me on agirlwithablog16@gmail.com I would love to hear from everyone and anyone! Thanks so much for reading.

Sam x

Moving House Top 10 Tips

By August me and my family will be in a new house! So this has inspired this new post about moving home and hopefully you find it helpful.

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When I was 10 years old we moved into the house we are in now which we have lived in for 11 years. Memories like secondary school (some good and some bad), new pets, important birthday's like 18 and 21 and lastly university.

Obviously when I was 10 I didn't understand the stress that comes with moving house but now aged 21 I realise how stressful it can be. When I moved into my university accommodation it was time to be more independent, for me my aim was to bring or buy anything that reminded me of home.

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Living by yourself isn't as easy as it seems, having to worry about paying rent, bills and remembering to buy yourself food. But it builds character and teaches you responsibility.

Anyway back to my point, moving house in August is going to be stressful but I also have to within that same month move out of my student house ready to move back into student accommodation in September (stressful times).

I've decided to do some research in order for everyone to find the main tips for moving house, in order to make moving house a little easier.

So here are my top 10 tips for anyone moving house:

1. When viewing houses remember to go knowing the exact questions you want to ask, maybe even write some down so you don't forget.
2. Research around to ensure you get the best removal companies to help you. Or even family members or friends might offer to help during moving day.
3. If it is beneficial for you, make a list of everything you need to do. It'll help you become more organised and help you make sure you have done everything you need to do.
4. Make sure you have the right supplies for packing like boxes, tape, bubble wrapper or use newspaper, markers or labels.
5. Labelling boxes makes it easier when unpacking, but remember when carrying heavy boxes or objects ensure you do it safely, even if this means getting someone to help you. Packing bolts and screws for furniture in plastic wallets or sandwich bags so you don't lose them. Along with, light bulbs in your new home so you are not moving in in the dark.
6. As a dog and 3 cats are part of our household we need to take them into consideration too. When moving with pets it can be important to let them explore when you are packing which can defuse some fear for them and them becoming overwhelmed by what is happening.
7. Pack early and do not expect to get everything done in one day. This is even the same for unpacking, once you are moved in have a break and start the next day.
8. From my research I found sites called Freecycle and Freegle which gives household items away for free like sofas, beds, televisions and even fridges etc.
9. Cleaning whilst you unpack can be essential as little bits of dust can be left behind.
10. Most importantly, have fun! Moving house is the start of a brand new experience for everybody so try and enjoy it the best you can.

Think when it's done get family and friends over to celebrate the new house!

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