The good, the bad and the 'brilliant': Freshers Edition #2

So here's round 2 of the 'The good, the bad and the 'brilliant': Freshers Edition' and this post will focus on the flip side of freshers. I have had a fabulous time so far at university but, that defiantly doesn't mean there aren't some aspects you miss from home! 

Side note : this is obviously only my experience of freshers and is only my opinion on the first 2 weeks of university; my opinions, I can guarantee will change over the three years of completely my degree! 

The 'bad':

1. Fending for yourself! I never realised how much time or thought goes into cooking all your meals and doing your own laundry. At home there was a magical fairy (my mum) that took care of all these chores whereas, now I've had to learn how to cook and look after myself like an adult. 

2. Missing home! It's so much more than missing your family and friends with it getting down to ridculous things such as your bed and arriving home to your dinner being on the table. 

3. Getting lost; I have spent the last 2 weeks aimlessly walking with absolutely no idea of where my destination is. Although, this has made me meet loads of new people, due to the fact I have to always ask for directions, it does get a little tiresome at points 

4. Education. With the build up of freshers I think people, myself included, sometimes forget that we go to university to gain a degree. The learning style at university is drastically different to school and initially can be slightly overwhelming; though everyday it does get a little easier. Be warned that the library is in fact a place of nightmares and feels very much like a maze 

5. Juggling the work load. This is the case in every aspect of life, struggling to balance your social life and your studies! However I have found it a little more challenging these past few weeks; partly because after the lengthy summer holidays I am no longer used to studying but also because I am now basically living with my best friends meaning distractions 24/7 

As you can tell these are minor little problems that are even ironing out as we speak. But, I think it's important to note for myself and for you guys that it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed or emotional during the first few weeks! 

For the highlights of freshers, and let me tell you that it has been truly amazing, check out my other blog post here: http://theamygill.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/the-good-bad-and-brilliant-freshers.html

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the week: Shake It Off- Taylor swift 

The good, the bad and the 'brilliant': Freshers Edition

Sorry for my lack of Internet activity but, I've been a busy little bee over the last couple of weeks- moving away from home and embarking on the challenge of university! So I'm going to catch you up on my life but, also give you some suggestions and reality checks if you are considering going to university! 

One blog post is going to be all the positives and highlights of the first couple of weeks at uni- all the aspects you would probably associate with freshers! The other will show my struggles and the reality of moving away from home. 

Side note : this is obviously only my experience of freshers and is only my opinion on the first few weeks of university; my opinions, I can guarantee will change over the three years of completing my degree! 

Toga Party 

The Good: 

1. Partying! This is what everyone associates with freshers and it is honestly awesome. There are different events every night; varying from silent discos, bar crawls and the freshers ball. This is the best way to meet people and bond with your flat mates. It is a completely different experience to normally going out at home and it's amazing to explore the bars that another city has to offer.

2. Independence, you know longer have to answer to anyone (apart from ringing home every couple of days to assure your parents that you are in fact alive.) There is no one their to judge you for being a little to drunk, sleeping in or staying out too late

3. Meeting new people! I have to admit I was petrified about this aspect but I have been seriously blessed with amazing flat mates. From day dot we bonded instantly and have supported each other ever since. Just make sure you jump in with as much enthusiasm as you can muster because otherwise you will miss out on so many opportunities. 

4. Freshers fayre= free stuff! I have now got enough pens to last me 3 years and enough domino pizza vouchers to feed my whole halls complex; embrace the free stuff, especially when you realise you'll be living on your student budget. 

5. Confidence! Since arriving in my new city I have embraced the saying 'if you don't ask, you don't get'. This has made me meet so many new people; in bars, in my lectures or on campus and I have also been known to gain a couple of cheeky discounts too 

I can honestly say that starting this new chapter in my life has resulted in some of the funniest and best weeks of my life and that now things have calmed down a little, I will hopefully be back to my usual blogging updates! 

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the week: Bleeding Out- Imagine Dragons 

5 Top Tips: How to Survive Sixth Form

I have just finished two hard years at Sixth Form and have miraculously found my way into a Russell Group University (me. smug? neverr) so I feel I may have some little bits of advice that will ease that transition from GCSE to A-level. 

1.Keep on top of your work
I completely understand if initially you think A-levels should be a walk in the park because you are now only studying 3 or 4 subjects compared to mammoth task of GCSE’s. WRONG! The work load is immensely larger as you begin in-depth studies of these couple of subjects, with teachers not holding back on extra homework or dreaded extra reading. Most tasks won’t be easy 20 minute work sheets; so don’t leave your work to the night before its due in. Be organised and start working on it as soon as you can because otherwise the work will keep piling up. 

2.Use your study periods wisely 
You can have plenty of time to have fun outside school if you work hard in study periods. If you spend these precious hours a week mucking about with your pals it will become increasingly hard to socialise outside of school. Perhaps set aside 1 hour of study period a week were you can have a chat with your friends but, the rest of the time try to hit the books. 

3.Revise throughout the year 
You cannot wing A-levels. You could be the most intelligent human on earth but you will struggle to hit the high grades without some graft. It’s challenging or near impossible to look at your folder for the first time the night before an exam and cram like at GCSE. I would suggest that every time your teacher gives you a little test in class or you finish a unit, start making revision cards, posters or notes; otherwise when it comes to the serious exam season you will be overwhelmed with your endless notes. 

4. Don’t Panic 
It is recognised that it is a massive step from GCSE to A-levels so don’t panic if you’re not hitting the grades straight away because you will eventually build up the knowledge in both the subject and in how to answer the question to be able to succeed. Try to do well at AS because it will reduce your stress at A2 by about 90% and will also mean you won’t have to do any dreaded resists. However, if you’re already an A2 student with poor AS grades again, don’t give up! I know so many people who had to re-sit certain modules- myself included- to get the grade needed for university or work; it is never too late to succeed. 

'We're all in this together' 

5. 'Work hard, play harder'- My Head of Sixth Forms favourite quote  

So far I have made Sixth Form sound like a complete horror but, to be honest despite the hard work it is one of best experiences of your life. It can be an opportunity to make new friends, rule the school and have a more mutual relationship with teachers. It will be a time marked down forever in your life, not just for your final grades, but all the firsts you will experience. It’ll probably be the first time you drink alcohol, learn to drive or experience general freedom. When you have the opportunity to have some fun embrace it with open hands because that is what Sixth Form is all about! 

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the week: Rumour Mill- We Are The In Crowd 

The hardship of learning to drive

Nothing less than a miracle occurred last Thursday and that was the fact that I passed my driving test first time. After months of very expensive and frustrating lessons I can actually legally driving on my own, which is kind of alarming for myself and the general population. 

Most of my friends loved the idea of being able to drive and were bouncing at the chance to get behind the wheel. Me on the other hand, I was petrified! My mum eventually forced me into by booking lessons behind my back and for the whole of my first lesson I was visibly shaking from head to toe. I was not built for the driving; I hated being outside my comfort zone and not instantly being good at something. I like to put everything into neat little boxes in my head, with everything being black and white. Driving is a completely grey area; every time you hit the road situations change and you are constantly making decisions; which was something that took me months to build the confidence to deal with. 

I preserved with lessons despite my hatred and distinct lack of natural flare because I knew it was a life skill that I needed. I saw more and more of my friends pass and the freedom linked to driving is insane. We no longer have to constantly rely on public transport or our parents giving us lifts everywhere; we can spontaneously decide to go for lunch and everything doesn't need to be planned to the second. It was such a huge motivation for the continuous torture that I found lessons and clearly my persistence paid off. 

What I am trying to explain is don't give up when it comes to driving or anything for that matter because you will eventually get there. Before I started to learn how to drive I was disheartened by the fact that everyone appeared to love driving or how they appeared to master it so rapidly when it took me hours to even understand gear changes. I have since realised that is not the case, people just keep quiet about their mistakes. I did not take that route and I told everyone my apparently 'hilarious' tales which then encouraged my pals to tell me their experiences which were not as rosy as it may have first appeared. 

I've come to realisation that there are very few people who can instantly pick up a skill and it is instead your persistence, motivation and self-belief that will see you succeed! In hindsight I realise I could have passed my test a lot sooner if I believed in my own ability and took control in my lessons. To this day I am still sarcastic to people about my driving but I finally know in my head and heart that I am a competent driver. So if it's driving, exams, jobs or socially believe in yourself because that is 90% of the battle! 

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the week: Seventeen Forever- Metro Station 

Summer Dreams

The summer holidays have officially arrived for those of us in the UK who have finished exams. I think I can state this for myself and everyone in my year that the summer holidays have been our focus point since about January. They were a source of hope, happier and care free times during the never ending cycle of homework, coursework and exams. But, now that I basically have 3 months of not doing much, I feel at a bit of a loss.

Yes, I have a part-time job, driving lessons, parties, birthdays and just general chilling with my friends to pack my life with but, there is also the fact that I watched the whole first series of Games of Thrones in about 4 days (its bloody brilliant if you were wondering.) I can’t help but twiddle my thumbs and wonder what I’m meant to do on those quiet days when I no longer have a distinctive overwhelming focus in my life. I’m currently in a period of limbo of having completed my exams and waiting till the dreaded results day in August to see if I get the results I need to get into university.

As I’ve mentioned before, people always tell you that being ‘young’ is the best part of your life and although I shall always disagree, believing that life is what you make it, I still want to make the most of these extensive holidays because it is unlikely that I will ever be in this marvellous situation again; in terms of money, friendships, time and freedom.

The holidays are always full of distinctive highs, I can already list a series of highlights in the 2 weeks I’ve been free but, as lame as this sounds it can be very hard to find ‘fun’ or ‘different’ things to make life long memories. Don’t get me wrong just hanging around a friend’s house or sitting in the park can defiantly lead to incredible times but, they can often become repetitive and my summer currently has as much structure as this blog post (aka not much)

 So if you guys have any ideas of fun things to do whether they are big or small please let me know! I am all for trying new things- going on adventures, becoming creative or being as whacky as can be but, I need some help to fulfil my summer dreams. I reckon we can help each other out! Perhaps if we all post about fun summer experiences throughout the holidays, whenever they occur, we can then all have different ideas and influence each other having a grand old time.

I may start a weekly events update, so I can hopefully give you guys some ideas and you guys give me some ideas but, don’t hold you breathe because I will probably give up!

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the week: ‘End Up Here’ from 5 Seconds of Summer’s debut self-titled album which I cannot actually believe is out to the world and you lads should defiantly check out!

Top Ten Festival Tips

Festival season in the UK is officially upon us! Isle of Wight has been and gone and Glasto is this weekend so here are my top ten tips for first time festival goers.

1. Be prepared. The week before your festival keep checking online for the stage set times and print yourself off a copy for all stages and days. This way you can pre-plan your favourite acts, ensuring that you don't miss any of the key artists and make the most of every minute! Highlight your day plan for each day, which avoids any band clashes or last minute arguments with your friends; enabling you to just move with the spirit of the festival as opposed to running around like a headless chicken. Also, this stops you having to buy the expensive landyards.  

2. Toiletries. This is lame but vital. Face the facts you are probably not going to be washing for 3 days but, don't worry it's defiantly not as bad as it seems. Remember everyone is in the same boat as you and girls if you're worried about greasy hair then don't fret. I went with girls with all hair colours, lengths and washing routines ie. normally wash every day, every other day, twice a week and surprisingly all our hair provided and got into the festival spirit! I honestly believe that the sweat from gigs and dry shampoo being our best friends actually meant pretty fresh hair. Also, girlies make sure you pack femfresh- you may have never heard of this but I swear to god it will revolutionise your life and keep your lady garden as fresh as a daisy. 

3. Florescent paint is the way forward in fixing your face. If you're looking a bit tired after a couple nights of partying and sleeping in a tent this will brighten your face up a treat. And let's be honest who doesn't enjoy ultimately slapping paint on your face and a festival is the only time you can walk around with bright weird patterns without anyone giving you a second glance. 

4. Be Spontaneous. Go and see artists that you have never heard of because those can honestly be some of the funniest times. Pick a name that sounds interesting or just stay at a stage after an act you've actually planned to see. Listening to an artist live is one of the best ways to find new music you love. Alternatively if you hate the sound of the act you're listening to whether it's pop or heavy metal either simply leave the tent or go mad dancing or mucking about but, 9 times out of 10 you will probably find some new music that you love. 

5. Take a bum bag, fanny pack, whatever you want to call it, these are a necessity! In normal society and the fashion world these may be as frowned upon as socks and sandals but, it is the epitome of festival fashion; with it a hundred percent being the norm. You cannot be carrying round a heavy rucksack because by the end of the day you will have a broken back, have been unable to bust out some dance moves and also sadly more than likely have your stuff stolen. And as hard as it is for me to say this, being a girl who carries around the kitchen sink in her hand bag, in the arena you can fit everything you need in a bum bag- a little bit of money, a camera and maybe a little lip gloss 

6. Stay hydrated! This was one of my worries before going to a festival as I guzzle water like it's going out of fashion but, never fear these festival organisers know what they're doing! Don't keep splurging on water as there are taps all around the arena where you can fill up your bottles up for free. Simple and easy! 

7. 'Embrace' festival fashion! Don't be nervous with what you're going to wear, it's defiantly different to normal. Obviously make sure it's comfy and weather appropriate (always take wellies and a rain mac) but don't be scared to be flamboyant or show a little more skin than usual- I wore shorts and a crop top which I would never dream of doing in everyday life! Get in the crazy sunglasses and headbands to wear and don't fear if you cannot find any on the high street as there are plenty of stalls inside the gates to cater for your every needs 

8. Take a camera, whether it’s a digital or disposable and snap away like there is no tomorrow. You will want to remember your festival experience for the rest of your life. Pictures are the best way to keep these moments in your mind so take them in camp, in crowds, with strangers or even inside the First Aid tent as I found out; because you will defiantly laugh when you look back on them.

9. Plan. If you’re worried or anxious about going to a festival because you don’t know the ins and outs then don’t fret. Firstly, remember that the majority of the people attending are also newbies and generally the festival scene is one of the friendliest environments around. You will find your feet pretty fast once you arrive, with there being plenty of staff and volunteers to help you out if you have any questions. Before leaving home check out the ‘Info’ section which can be found on festival websites. It will defiantly put your mind at ease as well as, giving you all the do’s and don’ts.

10.Embrace it!! This is the most important and simplest tip but, just get involved. A festival is the same as everyday life and is going to be as good as you make it! Obviously stay safe but, go wild and have fun. Make festival friends that you will probably never see again, dance like no one is watching and sing until you lose your voice.

I hope these are helpful to you guys! Attending Reading Festival last year was honestly one of the best experiences of my life and I am so gutted that I cannot go this year when the line-up is so unbelievable. I shed a little tear every time someone mentions Blink-182, Arctic Monkeys, Paramore and You Me At Six all playing over the same weekend.  Ask any other questions you have in the comments and I’ll see if I can answer them and let me know your favourite concert or festival memories as I love hearing about other people’s experiences.

Peace Out My Lovelies xxx

Track of the Week: Ed Sheeran’s Album ‘X’